The Vermont Catamounts men’s lacrosse team defeated Bryant University 13-7 in the America East Semifinals, securing a spot in the program’s seventh title game appearance on April 30 at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium.
This victory advances Vermont to the America East Championship game, where they will face top-seeded UAlbany. The win was highlighted by a strong start from Vermont, which scored six goals in the first quarter and maintained control throughout the match.
Head Coach Chris Feifs said, “I still think we have our best game in front of us. With leaders like stepping up in big games like this, it takes pressure off of young guys like our second midfield, which we have two first years, and a sophomore. We go, as our leaders go, and we’re a really cohesive group so I think we have a great chance whoever we face.”
Vermont’s six goals in the opening quarter marked their highest-scoring period this season. It was also the first time all year that they held an opponent scoreless during the fourth quarter. Under Feifs’ leadership, Vermont has achieved an 8-4 record in America East Tournament play and is now 6-1 in semifinal games since he became head coach. This match was also notable as it marked the first postseason meeting between Bryant and Vermont; since Bryant joined America East, Vermont has won five out of six encounters against them.
Looking ahead, Vermont will compete for its second championship appearance in three seasons against UAlbany on Saturday at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium. The teams last met for a title with UAlbany winning at home earlier this year by one goal.
