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Tufts Lacrosse Triumphs 25-8 for NCAA Championship

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Tufts Lacrosse Ncaa Championship May 2023

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Tufts men’s lacrosse team clinched its second consecutive NCAA Division III championship with a commanding 25-8 victory over Dickinson College on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium. The win capped an undefeated season for the Jumbos, who finished with a perfect 23-0 record.

Brooks Hauser, a standout from Deerfield Academy, led the top-seeded Jumbos with four goals and four assists. This victory marks Tufts’ fifth national title since 2010, a feat matched only by Salisbury University during that span.

Joining the Jumbos in Foxborough, the 11th-seeded Red Devils, with a record of 17-6, had never reached the NCAA quarterfinals prior to this year, earning enthusiastic support from their fans. However, Tufts quickly established dominance, scoring the first 10 goals of the match within just 12 minutes.

The Jumbos had a significant advantage, with a 20-3 shot edge in the first quarter, taking advantage of several Dickinson turnovers. The Red Devils managed to score their first goal midway through the second quarter, but Tufts responded with four goals in the closing minutes of the half, extending their lead to 14-3.

Hauser showcased his offensive prowess, along with a behind-the-back assist from Max Ettinghausen to Will Emsing, which delighted the crowd. With five minutes remaining in the game, Ben Frisoli scored the 23rd goal for Tufts, breaking the championship game record of 22 goals.

Head coach Casey D’Annolfo shifted players from the bench as the game progressed, enabling substitutions including Ben Friedman, who replaced goalkeeper Conner Garzone, who had made 10 saves. A total of 14 Jumbos scored during the game, with several players netting multiple goals.

The championship added to Tufts’ legacy, as they aim for a third straight title. This year’s championship game victory showcased their scoring ability, having outscored their first four NCAA opponents, 72-34, leading into the finals.

“Winning this title is a remarkable achievement for our program,” said D’Annolfo. “Our players showed their dedication throughout the season.”

Tufts has now made it to the national championship game for the last three seasons, demonstrating sustained excellence in Division III lacrosse.