Canisius Set to Host Robert Morris in 2018 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Play-In Game
EDISON, NJ - 2018 MAAC Men’s Lacrosse Champions, Canisius College (8-8) is set to host Robert Morris University (12-4) in the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship play-in game as announced during tonight’s Selection Show. The Griffs face the Colonials on Wednesday, May 9, at 4 p.m.
Canisius defeated the University of Detroit Mercy (9-7), 10-9, in overtime to secure the 2018 MAAC Men’s Lacrosse Championship title and the leagues’ automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. Sophomore attack Mathieu Boissonneault scored the game-winning goal just six seconds into overtime.
The Griffs claimed their third MAAC Men’s Lacrosse Championship and first since 2012. The three MAAC Championships are tied with Siena, and former members Mount St. Mary’s, and Providence for the most in conference history.
For the first time in program history Canisius will host a NCAA Championship game. The Griffs have played in two prior NCAA Tournament games (0-2), both contests were on the road. Canisius is going to be making its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2012, when it took on Loyola. The Griffs are the third MAAC representative since 2015 to host the NCAA Championship play-in contest.
Canisius and Robert Morris meet for the second time this season. The Griffs fell to the Colonials, 11-9, on April 10. Canisius and Robert Morris have gone head-to-head during the regular season in each of the last three seasons, with the Griffs going (0-3).
Senior attack Connor Kearnan was named the 2018 MAAC Offensive Player of the Year and Championship MVP. In the title game he tallied four points (two goals, two assists). With the two assists, the senior tied the MAAC single-season record for assists (49). He is just two points shy of tying the single-season mark for points (82).
The winner of the play-in game advances to take on No. 1 Maryland on Sunday, May 13, at noon in the first round.
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) is in its 37
th year of competition during the 2017-18 academic year. Current Conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.