Thrice as Nice: Fighting Owls Men's Lacrosse Captures Third Straight National Championship

BEL AIR, MD -- In a commanding performance befitting a dynasty, Harford men's lacrosse won its third consecutive NJCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship on Sunday with a 20-10 victory over Nassau Community College. The Fighting Owls overcame an early deficit before delivering a relentless offensive surge, in front of a predominantly Harford crowd, powered by a balanced attack and stifling defense that showcased the program's elite pedigree.

Nassau (10-3) came out hot, building a 3-0 lead within the first four minutes behind goals from Jake Lewis and Jack Lepore, both assisted by Brady Dolan.

"We talked through some things we [the coaches] were seeing from them," said Harford head coach Aaron Verardi of the timeout he called after Nassau's third goal. "We just needed a possession and to make it count. There was still 57 minutes to play and we were going to play confidently for all of them.

Harford (14-0) didn't blink. Sparked by Kohl Wesner's (Lancaster, Pa.) unassisted goal at 10:33, the Fighting Owls rattled off six unanswered scores to close the quarter, turning a shaky start into a 6-3 advantage.

In total, Harford outscored the Lions 20-7 after surrendering the first three goals.

Sophomore attackman Liam Forsyth (Webster, N.Y.), who has been a consistent force all season, delivered a career-defining performance with seven goals and three assists, accounting for half of Harford's scoring. Forsyth was named the Steve Caravana Offensive Player of the Tournament, finishing with 11 goals and four assists in the two games.

Freshman goalie Jack Donovan (Towson, Md.) was named the Steve Caravana Offensive Player of the Tournament. The Towson, Maryland native had 20 saves versus Onondaga and Nassau and averaged 10 goals against each game.

A Team Effort

Wesner was no less lethal, notching four goals and one assist on a team-high 14 shots. His early scores stabilized the Fighting Owls and set the tone for their offensive rhythm and earned him a spot on the All-Tournament team. George Shonfeld (Stockport, Manchester, England) was the primary playmaker, dishing out five assists and adding two goals, including a quick two-goal burst in the third that widened the gap to six. Shonfeld was also voted to the All-Tournament team.

Will Goodwin (Cheadle, Manchester, England) contributed two goals and one assist, while midfielder Eammon Donovan (Berwyn, Pa.) added two unassisted goals, including a key strike early in the third that halted Nassau's momentum. Kennedy Opie (Natick, Mass.) and Owen Ellis (Coatesville, Pa.) also got on the board late, showcasing Harford's depth.

Hugo Peel (Stockport, Manchester, England) and Michael LaCouture (Latham, N.Y.) each logged assists, but it was Peel's transition work and off-ball vision that stood out. Seth De La Ronde (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) scored a key man-up goal in the first quarter and assisted on Ellis's late strike.

Harford's Defense Tightens the Screws

While Harford's attack gets the headlines, its defense quietly dictated the flow after the early flurry by Nassau. The Lions were limited to just six goals over the final three quarters. Donovan logged nine saves in just under 57 minutes, stepping up in high-leverage situations, including man-down stints.

Zach Curry (Centreville, Md.) closed the game with a clean final 3:18, adding three saves and preserving the double-digit margin. On defense, Bready Buckley (Salisbury, Md.), Harrison Sweeney (West Hartford, Conn.) and Ryan Sweiderk (Grasonville, Md.) applied timely checks, while Harford caused 21 Nassau turnovers, including six in the first quarter and six more in the third. Sweeney and Sweiderk earned All-Tournament team honors.

Ground ball dominance (31-20) and effective clearing (19-for-21) allowed Harford to maintain offensive control and suppress Nassau's transition game. Shonfeld and Donovan led with three ground balls each, as Harford frequently won the hustle plays.

Faceoff Battle and Possession Game

The faceoff battle was virtually even, with Harford holding a slim 17-16 edge, but their ability to convert possessions into scoring opportunities proved decisive. Harford launched 53 shots, 35 on goal, compared to 34 shots and 22 on goal for Nassau.

The Fighting Owls converted both of its extra-man opportunities, while Nassau struggled, managing just 1-for-9 despite multiple chances in each quarter. That efficiency—both offensively and defensively—proved critical in keeping Nassau from mounting a comeback.

During the last three seasons, Verardi had led Harford to a 39-1 record to go along with the three nation titles. But the outcome is no accident. It's all a part of the process. 

"The hardest part is getting everyone to realize that the championships are just a result of the process we are committed to and they are not what it's all about," Verardi said. "We know everyone is circling us on their schedule, but it's really the fact that we have such a high belief in what we could be, that it fuels everything we do."