The Maryville women's lacrosse team narrowly lost to top-seed Florida Southern, 9-7, in the NCAA Division II National Championship game. Despite a strong fourth-quarter effort where they outscored Florida Southern 5-0, the Saints fell short after trailing significantly earlier in the match. Key contributions came from Helen Bae, Paige Murphy, and Mady Richert, each scoring twice, but their rally wasn't enough to overcome a 9-2 deficit at the start of the final quarter.

By the Numbers
  • Maryville scored 5 goals in the fourth quarter, compared to 0 from Florida Southern.
  • Parker Murphy recorded 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) and led the team in points.
State of Play
  • Maryville finished the season with a record of 17-5.
  • Florida Southern ended their season at 21-1, maintaining their status as a powerhouse.
What's Next

Looking forward, Maryville aims to build on their strong performance to challenge for the championship again next season. With core players like Bae and Murphy likely returning, they could leverage this experience to improve their standings.

Bottom Line

The Saints showcased tenacity and resilience, particularly in the fourth quarter, signaling their potential as contenders in future championships. Their ability to rally underscores their competitiveness, hinting at a promising future for the program.