ROCHESTER, N.Y. — No. 2 Florida Southern College women's lacrosse (21-1) secured a 9–7 victory over No. 8 Maryville University (17-5) on Saturday at Judson Stadium, clinching the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship. This triumph marks Florida Southern women's lacrosse's second National Championship and their first since 2016. The Moccasins' balanced attack included two player-up goals, helping them maintain an advantage despite a late rally by the Saints in the fourth quarter. This championship win is the 32nd in Florida Southern history, adding another prestigious title to their storied athletic program.
Florida Southern opened the game with a decisive draw control by
Kolby Cohen, setting the stage for an early offensive push.
Jenna Vetter scored the first goal at 11:05, assisted by Cohen. Maryville responded at 9:26 with a goal from Kylie Pettus, assisted by Natalie Tomljenovic, equalizing the score. Florida Southern quickly reclaimed the lead with
Louise Aloi's unassisted goal at 8:10.
Kassidy Miller extended the lead with a goal at 2:03, concluding the period with the Moccasins ahead 3–1.
Florida Southern extended its lead in the second quarter with a series of successful plays.
Riley Rivera opened the scoring with a free position goal at 13:28. Cohen capitalized on a player-up situation, scoring with an assist from Rivera at 12:47, prompting a timeout from Maryville.
Grace Curtin added to the advantage with a goal assisted by Rivera at 10:39.
Hanna Watson converted a free position shot at 5:23, further solidifying the home team's lead. Maryville responded late in the quarter with a goal by Mady Richert at 1:25, assisted by Emmery Clark, bringing the score to 7–2 in favor of Florida Southern at the end of the quarter.
Florida Southern extended its lead over Maryville in the third quarter with two goals while maintaining a strong defensive presence. Cohen capitalized on a player-up opportunity to score at 10:59, following a successful draw control by
Brayden Cannelli.
Kelsey Bennett added to the tally with a free position goal at 4:17.
Annesley Flint provided crucial support in goal, making multiple saves, including a notable stop on Richert at 1:18. The quarter ended with Florida Southern ahead, increasing its lead to 9–2.
In the fourth quarter, Maryville mounted a strong comeback attempt, scoring five unanswered goals. Helen Bae initiated the scoring for Maryville with a goal at 14:02, assisted by Paige Murphy. Murphy continued to influence the game, adding a goal of her own at 11:26 and later assisting Pettus at 2:20. Richert also contributed with a player-up goal at 6:47. Despite Maryville's efforts, Florida Southern maintained its lead, thanks in part to defensive plays such as a save by
Rebekah Bargeron at 00:37. The Moccasins' defense and prior offensive efforts secured a 9–7 victory by the end of the quarter.
Cohen recorded two goals and an assist, with one of her goals being the game-winner while also contributing six draw controls.
Audrey Cannelli was effective defensively, collecting three caused turnovers. Vetter took six shots, leading her team in attempts and adding one goal. Rivera added two assists and one goal, contributing to the team's offensive efforts.
