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On the Run - NCAA Final Four + Title Game
The end.
Adam Lamberti
May 28, 2025
Welcome to On the Run. Here's what you need to know about what happened in college lacrosse this weekend, plus some little things that I loved. Quick and easy to read while you're on the run!
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Today’s writeup in a snapshot 📸:
👀 The Headliner: Cornell Wins it All
🤝 Supporting Cast: Maryland Owns Syracuse
🎯 Quick Hits: Cornell’s Michael Long
📈 On the Rise: Penn State’s Liam Matthews
👀 The Headliner: Cornell Wins First National Title Since 1977 🐻🏆
The storyline that stole the show this weekend.
Cornell = national champions!
CJ Kirst’s six goals propelled the Big Red over Maryland 13-10 in a matchup of the top two seeds.
Maryland didn’t play the cleanest game, including multiple failed clears that led to Cornell goals in the 4th quarter, Cornell was the best team all season with the best player all season and it’s good to see them win it.
They also made me look smart with my prediction on Oct 15, 2024!
I know this is a (very) early, but I really really like @CornellLacrosse to win it all in 2025.
— Adam Lamberti (@atlamberti)
11:04 PM • Oct 15, 2024
🤝 The Supporting Cast
The things that weren't maybe the star of the weekend, but still important.
1. Maryland Beats Syracuse For Eighth Straight Time 🐢
The Terps once again had the Orange’s number, dominating this final four matchup 14-8.
Eric Spanos had 5 points (4G, 1A), but the Maryland defense was once again the story of the game.
The defensive game plan for the Orange was essentially the same as the regular season matchup:
Trust SSDM matchups
Slide when necessary
The Terps dared Syracuse to beat them with unassisted goals by not sliding, which is where the Orange offense has struggled this season, and it worked.
Logan McNaney gobbled up shots with 14 saves while First Team All-American Will Schaller shut down Joey Spallina and the SSDM’s played terrific defense on Syracuse’s talented midfielders.
Syracuse’s offense is really good at moving the ball when they draw slides, but Maryland slowed them down by not sliding, taking them out of their element once again.
If Syracuse is going to win it all next season, they need to win more matchups in big spots.
🎯 Quick Hits
The weekend's standout plays, hustle moments, and everything in between.
Penn State’s Liam Matthews spinning BTB.
Cornell’s CJ Kirst taking over the title game.
Cornell’s Michael Long tagging a corner.
📈 On the Rise
Spotlighting players and teams who are setting themselves up for big things ahead.
1. Penn State’s Liam Matthews 🦁
Matthews has proven himself as a reliable and creative finisher for the Nittany Lions in years to come.
The Hill Academy product has terrific hands and is automatic inside.
The sophomore had 9 goals in the NCAA Tournament, including this insane behind the back finish against Cornell.
Thank you for reading! See you in 2026!