Cornell Claims NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship, Ending 48-Year Drought

Cornell Claims NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship, Ending 48-Year Drought

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- In a thrilling encounter at Gillette Stadium, Cornell University emerged victorious in the NCAA men's lacrosse championship, defeating the University of Maryland 13-10. This win marks the Big Red's fourth national championship and their first since 1977, effectively ending a 48-year title drought.

Leading the charge for Cornell was senior attackman CJ Kirst, who scored an impressive six goals, while sophomore Ryan Goldstein added another four to the tally. Kirst's final goal into an empty net sealed the win and also brought his total for the season to 82, allowing him to tie the single-season NCAA record, previously held by only a select few.

Head coach Connor Buczek, a former Cornell All-American, praised Kirst's performance, stating, "We knew if [No.] 15 got going, we were going home with hardware and by god if he didn't find it and find it in a big way. He pulls the best out of everyone around him." This sentiment echoes the spirit of teamwork that has defined Cornell's season.

The matchup held historical significance; it was a rematch of both the first-ever NCAA championship in 1971, and again in 1977, both of which Cornell won. Though Maryland (14-4) was seeded second, they never took the lead in this championship bout, while Cornell (18-1) maintained a steady pace, never leading by more than three goals.

Kirst, who experienced an uncharacteristic scoreless semifinal, redeemed himself by scoring his first goal with just under two minutes left in the first half. The first half concluded with Cornell marginally ahead at 6-5.

"Just playing off my teammates," Kirst reflected. "The semifinal game I didn't have my best performance, but my teammates stepped up. That's what this year's been all about." His partnership with Goldstein proved vital during the game, with Goldstein contributing key goals during critical moments.

As the game unfolded, Maryland fought back from a 10-7 deficit early in the fourth quarter, with Brandon Erksa and Elijah Stobaugh's consecutive goals bringing it to a one-goal game. However, Cornell responded decisively with two quick goals by Kirst and Goldstein, restoring their three-goal cushion.

Despite a spirited effort from Maryland, which was seeking its own elusive championship, Cornell's defense held strong. Senior goalkeeper Wyatt Knust secured a 55 percent save rate, offering critical stops during Maryland’s late-game surges.

The arrival of this championship is a significant milestone for Cornell lacrosse. After years of narrowly missing the title—as evidenced by their runner-up finish last year—the players were keenly aware of the stakes involved. Coach Buczek expressed his pride in the team’s achievement: "For these guys to achieve this goal, to bring the title back to Cornell for the first time in 48 years, I simply don’t have the words for it," he stated.

As the team prepares to transition toward the future, they will do so while saying goodbye to 15 graduating seniors, including standout performers like Kirst, Knust, and Michael Long. Yet, as both Kirst and Knust noted, the foundation has been laid for continued success, highlighting the abundance of talent returning to the program.

The victory undoubtedly solidifies Cornell's legacy in the sport and sets a hopeful trajectory for both returning athletes and upcoming recruits. "No one ever had any doubt," Knust remarked, emphasizing the team's unwavering belief in their capability to clinch the title.