ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — St. Mary’s College of Maryland secured its fourth consecutive United East Conference Men’s Lacrosse Championship title on May 3, defeating Penn College 21-8. The top-seeded Seahawks (9-7) earned the league’s automatic qualification for the 2025 NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship Tournament with the victory over the No. 2 seed Wildcats (14-5).
Sophomore Declan Horton was named Tournament MVP, scoring a career-high six goals and collecting three ground balls in the championship game. The Seahawks dominated with a 53-37 shot advantage and a 48-27 edge in ground balls, while winning 23 of 33 face-offs. St. Mary’s College also converted three man-up opportunities, compared to one for Penn College.
The game began with Penn College taking an early 2-0 lead, as Elliot Dotson and Owen Kupsey scored within the first two minutes. St. Mary’s responded decisively, unleashing 13 consecutive goals to build a 13-2 lead by the third quarter. Kupsey briefly halted the Seahawks’ run with his 54th goal of the season, but St. Mary’s maintained control. Sophomore Gavin McKay sparked a 5-1 run with back-to-back goals, extending the lead to 18-4. Despite a late four-goal surge by Penn College, the Seahawks held firm to secure the 21-8 victory.
Senior attackman Aiden Doyle led St. Mary’s with seven points, including five goals and two assists. Gavin McKay set personal bests with three goals and four points, while senior attackman Keegan Preis contributed four assists and a goal. Senior midfielder Jake Levey added three assists and a goal, also a career high. On defense, junior Joe Szymanski collected nine ground balls, and junior Matteo Ciccarello won 15 of 19 face-offs, securing six ground balls. Senior goalkeeper Cullen McKay made seven saves.
For Penn College, Kupsey scored two goals, and Dotson recorded three points with a goal and two assists. Goalkeeper Ryan Twist made 10 saves for the Wildcats.
St. Mary’s College has now won four straight United East Conference titles, showcasing their dominance in the league. The Seahawks’ balanced offensive and defensive performance in the championship game highlighted their depth, with multiple players achieving career-best marks. Their face-off dominance and ground ball advantage were critical in controlling the game’s tempo and limiting Penn College’s opportunities.
The Seahawks await their next opponent in the NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship, with their first-round game scheduled for May 7. The team’s consistent success in the conference tournament positions them as a strong contender in the national competition. Penn College, despite the loss, concluded a strong season with a 14-5 record, led by Kupsey’s offensive contributions.
The United East Conference, formed in 2021, includes eight institutions competing in men’s lacrosse. St. Mary’s College has emerged as the dominant force in the league’s short history, leveraging strategic recruiting and experienced coaching to maintain their championship streak. The Seahawks’ performance on May 3 underscores their preparation for the national stage, where they aim to advance beyond the first round.
