The redemption, and full-circle feeling of completion, invigorated a loyal fan base desperately yearning for a return to its glory days. It’s the first national title for an Ivy League school since Yale in 2018, and just the third since 2001. The Big Red (18-1) built a 2-1 edge through one, behind a steady stream of stops from Wyatt Knust (12 saves) and goals from Ryan Waldman and Brian Luzzi. They continued to lean on the physical brand of lacrosse that got them to this point, and effectively made the extra pass in tight windows against the organized Terrapins (14-4). Eric Spanos scored twice in the second quarter for the Terrapins, then superstar CJ Kirst (six goals) broke through for Cornell to help the Big Red claim a 6-5 halftime edge. Cornell never trailed and didn’t lead by more than two before the break, as an even matchup on paper turned out to be exactly that in reality. Kirst, who was held scoreless on seven shots in Saturday’s semifinal, added three more in the third to extend Cornell’s lead to 9-7 heading to the fourth. Kirst, who finished the year tied for the most goals ever in a season with 82, picked a perfect time to catch fire. Maryland trimmed it to 10-9 on a delivery from Elijah Stobaugh, then Kirst and Ryan Goldstein (four goals) created separation. Kirst provided the dagger with 50 seconds left to seal it and signal the celebration behind the Cornell net.
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