Cornell men’s Lacrosse capped a storybook season in unforgettable fashion on Monday afternoon, defeating No. 2 Maryland 13-10 at Gillette Stadium to win the program’s first NCAA title since 1977 and fourth overall.
Senior CJ Kirst delivered the final blow, dodging a Maryland double team in the closing minute to score into an empty net, sealing the Big Red’s historic win and setting off a long-awaited championship celebration. With the victory, head coach Connor Buczek ’15 becomes the first alumnus to lead Cornell to a national title in men’s lacrosse.
The Big Red never trailed in the tightly contested matchup between the nation’s top two teams. Every Maryland run was met with a resilient Cornell response. Kirst led the way with six goals and seven points, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Sophomore Ryan Goldstein added four goals, while goalie Wyatt Knust made 12 saves to close his career at 26-5.
Cornell finishes the season 18-1, tying the Division I record for wins in a season, and completed a sweep of the Ivy League titles.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].