BEL AIR, MD – Anne Arundel Community College's women's lacrosse team will advance to the Region XX Championship game after defeating Harford Community College in the semi-final game, 13-12. Entering the tournament as the No.2 seed, the Riverhawks are set to face the No.1 seeded Dragons of Howard Community College for the Region XX title. The Dragons had defeated the No.4 seeded Cougars of Frederick Community College earlier in the day to earn their spot in the championship game.
Entering the Region XX semi-final game, the Riverhawks were looking to repeat their 17-7 performance from the first time around against Harford back in March – but the Fighting Owls had other plans for the night.
Getting after it quickly, Sofia Michael (off a free position shot) and Caitlyn Shriver (unassisted) gave the Riverhawks a 2-0 lead just minutes into the game. Harford was able to respond with one before Madeline Szanyi would add another for AACC.
The scoring would continue to trade back and forth between the teams but the Riverhawks were always able to top the Fighting Owls; as Harford scored two, AACC scored three, as Harford scored one, AACC scored two. The last goal of the half would come from a solo drive by Renee Ruppert, giving the Riverhawks a 9-5 lead.
Despite scoring first in the second half (Sophia Michael off a free position shot), it was Harford who seemed to have a stronger presence on the field. The Fighting Owls quickly began to control the pace of the game, capitalizing on Riverhawk turnovers, and successfully clearing the ball.
After scoring three unanswered goals, Harford found themselves down just one goal (12-11) with six minutes left to play. Alyssa Baronella-O'Toole would finish on a free position shot to add another one for the Riverhawks but Harford responded once again and with 40 seconds left on the clock, they were looking for one more to send this semi final game into overtime.
O'Toole would come up with possession off the draw control but a turnover by AACC would give Harford one last chance to make a play. With just 24 seconds left, and their season on the line, Harford fell short and was unable to make the play. The Riverhawks would hold onto the 13-12 lead, earning the win, and a spot in the Region XX Championship game.
Szanyi led for the Riverhawks with three goals for the day, Michael had two goals and one assist, and Shriver, Alyssa Yates, Ruppert, and Baronella-O'Toole each scored two.
Continuing as tournament host, Harford Community College will be the site for the Region XX Championship match-up of (2) Anne Arundel Community College and (1) Howard Community College. This will be the third time the teams have faced each other, with both previous match-ups ending in favor of the Dragons of Howard. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m. at Harford Stadium of Bel Air, Maryland.