Harford Wins Fourth Consecutive Region Men's Lax Title

courtesy Harford Athletics

ARNOLD, MD. - The Harford Fighting Owls took on the CCBC Essex Knights on Sunday in the Region 20 Championship. This was the second matchup of the year for the two teams, and the second victory for the Fighting Owls by a healthy margin. The win secured Harford the #1 seed at the national tournament, and extended their hold on the Region Championship title to a fourth consecutive year.

The highlight of the game began with a save by Alex Epple that created a loose ball rebound. Epple left the crease to charge the ground ball, dodging two opposing players in the process, and sprinted up the field toward the Essex goal. Once inside the attacking zone he made a pass to Dylan Tomarchio that appeared to set up the attackman for a shot on goal. Tomarchio instead made a quick pass back to Epple who buried a shot into the upper corner of the cage for Harford's 12th goal of the game. The crowd and Harford's bench erupted with excitement for the rare reward offered to their stonewall goalie.

Five Harford players earned All Tournament Honors following the contest:
Defensive MVP - Alex Epple
Offensive MVP - Xan Hayes
All Tournament Team: Shaine Luzietti, Carter Korzenski, and Trevor Sousa  

The seeding for the National Tournament was released following the weekend results. Harford claimed the #1 seed after holding the only undefeated record of the remaining teams. Nassau secured the #2 seed while Onondaga earned the #3. Essex and Howard entered the final rankings at #4 and #5 with at-large bids, and Genesee earned the #6 seed. 

Two quarterfinal matches will be played on May 6th to determine the final four: #3 Onondaga vs #6 Genesee and #4 Essex vs #5 Howard. Harford and Nassau have earned a bye into the national championship semifinals to be held at Harford Community College May 13-14.

More tournament information can be found on the event website: https://mdlaxchampionship.my.canva.site/