No. 19 Saint Michael's College men's lacrosse defeated No. 3 Saint Anselm College, 9-8, in a thrilling NCAA Championship debut at Grappone Stadium. This marks a significant achievement as the Purple Knights claimed their first postseason road victory in NCAA history and topped a top-three team for the first time since 2013. They will advance to face No. 11 Molloy University in the national quarterfinals on Wednesday. Key contributions came from senior Owen Balfour and Sean Murphy, both scoring two goals and assisting twice.

By the Numbers
  • Saint Michael's led with a total of 9 goals scored.
  • Saint Anselm recorded 43 shots compared to Saint Michael's 26.
  • Saint Anselm's Quinn Gannon dominated faceoffs, winning 13 out of 19.
Yes, But

While Saint Michael's celebrated a monumental victory, they were heavily outmatched in several statistical categories, such as shots and ground balls, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in future matches.

State of Play
  • Saint Michael's improved their record to 10-5 with this victory.
  • This win comes after the Purple Knights' recent losses to ranked opponents, emphasizing their growth this season.
  • They are now 3-2 in the all-time postseason series against Saint Anselm.
What's Next

Saint Michael's will need to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face No. 11 Molloy University. The outcome of this match could significantly impact their chances of advancing further in the NCAA Championship.

Bottom Line

Saint Michael's historic win over a top-ranked opponent highlights their resilience and capability in tournament play, setting the stage for a pivotal quarterfinal match against Molloy. This victory not only boosts morale but also establishes their potential in the championship landscape.