ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. -- The top-seeded St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s lacrosse team lifted their fifth-straight United East Championship trophy Saturday afternoon as they defeated No. 2 Penn College, 16-14, in the Final.

The Seahawks scored the first goal of the day in the first minute of action before the Wildcats responded the three-straight goals. Gavin McKay stopped the run with his first of the afternoon with 8:10 to go in the first which turned into a three-goal run for the home team.

Gavin Phipps and Joshua Martel gave the Seahawks a 6-4 lead after the first period, and SMC used a 3-1 differential in the second period to take a 9-5 lead at the half. 

PCT pulled within one, 10-9 woth a four goal run through the third quarter and regained a 14-13 lead with 9:23 to go in the fourth before the Seahawks closed out the championship with three-straight goals.

Championship MVP, Gavin Phipps had a career day with seven goals to lead the Seahawks. McKay posted five points with a goal and four assists while Brady Manakil, Martel and Owen Wynot scored two goals apiece. Matteo Cicarello won 20-of-29 faceoffs while the defense was anchored by five caused turnovers from Will Hock. 

Ty Spencer posted 10 saves between the pipes to earn the championship victory.

Cullen McKay collected the win between the pipes as he stopped seven Wildcat shots.

Aidan McFalls scored five goals and Owen Kupsey netted a hat-trick. AJ Dotson scored a team-high six points wiht two goals and four assists while RYan Twist collected 18 saves in net.