ARNOLD, MD – Anne Arundel Community College's women's lacrosse team has concluded their 2017 season with a 19-11 loss in the NJCAA National Championship Semi Final game against Monroe Community College. Entering the semi final match-up, the Riverhawks were ranked fourth in the nation, as the Tribunes of Monroe were ranked number one.
Monroe wasted little time during the semi final game, as Morgan Hollenbeck successfully finished on a free position shot, just 22 seconds in. Next to find the net was Christie Hahn, scoring on a solo drive, giving the Tribunes and early 2-0 lead four minutes in.
Madeline Szanyi would put AACC on the board, scoring on a solo drive – but the Tribunes would answer with 4 unanswered goals of there own. Monroe Community College claimed a 6-2 lead.
Alyssa Yates would briefly stop the rally for the Tribunes, as she scored for the Riverhawks, but once again Monroe would answer in full force – scoring the next three. Monroe had their lead at 9-3.
A bit of momentum seemed to pick up for the Riverhawks late in the first half as Alyssa Baronella-O'Toole and Alyssa Yates each scored (O'Toole assisted by Sofia Michael and Yates assisted by O'Toole). With Monroe only scoring one more, O'Toole scoring from Caitlyn Shriver, and Emily Rowe finishing on a free position goal – the Riverhawks now only trailed 10-6 at halftime.
After Riverhawk Emily Rowe (assisted by O'Toole) responded to an early Monroe goal by Janee DeLuca – AACC just could not keep up with the Tribunes scoring drives. Monroe would score 6 unanswered before O'Toole's free position goal.
O'Toole would score another (free position goal), and Rowe would add two (assisted by Sofia Michael and O'Toole) – but it just wasn't enough as the Tribunes would take it, 19-11.
The Tribunes were able to grab 22 draw controls to the Riverhawks 10. The Riverhawks also struggled to clear the ball, which Monroe was able to capitalize on – scoring on numerous AACC turnovers. Monore also won the ground ball battle of the day (20 to AACC's 16).
Goalie Victoria Mattoon recored 11 saves for AACC, as Sara Annable had 8 and Paige Noel had 1 for Monroe.
With the win over AACC, Monroe will advance to play for the National Championship Title on Sunday at 12 pm – hosted by AACC.