The University of Virginia's offense proved to be better than the University of Maryland's defense in the NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Championship Monday.
Virginia held on to win 9-7. Heading in to the final, Maryland had not surrendered more than 6 goals in any of its previous three games in the tournament. Virginia hadn't scored fewer than 13 goals in any of its tournament games.
Colin Briggs, who did not play in Saturday's semifinals after being suspended due to a violation of team rules, scored five goals for the seventh-seeded Cavaliers. He scored three times on uncontested shots and twice beat defenders 1-on-1, earning the most outstanding player award.
Matt White scored three times and Nick O'Reilly had a goal and four assists for the Cavaliers.
Grant Catalino had two goals and an assist for unseeded Maryland (13-6). Goalie Niko Amato made eight saves.
Virginia led 5-3 at the half and scored the first goal of the third to give Virginia a 6-3 lead before Maryland scored three straight, tying the score early in the fourth. Virginia then put it away with three straight of its own. A late Maryland goal closed the gap to 9-7.
