Monroe Edges Women's Lacrosse in National Semifinals

BEL AIR, Md. – The Monroe Community College Tribunes erased a three-goal deficit and scored 1:09 into overtime to top Anne Arundel Community College, 16-15, in the NJCAA National Invitational Semifinals Saturday afternoon.

Rian Dennis scored four goals and had four caused turnovers for AACC, while Ashlynn Deans scored three and added an assist and seven draw controls. Cassidy Cook scored three goals, and Mia Keen scored two with an assist. Grace Adkins scored twice, and Shelby Blanford scored a goal and added an assist.

AACC scored three of their five first quarter goals on free position attempts, and held a 6-4 lead at the end of the quarter. Monroe scored the first three goals of the second quarter to retake the lead, 7-6.

AACC halted the run with a Dennis strike 20 second later, but Monroe regrouped and went on another three-goal run to build up a three-goal lead with 6:46 left in the half.

The Riverhawks scored two goals 48 seconds apart to close the half trailing by one, 10-9.

Monroe scored the first two goals of the third quarter before Cook sparked a six-goal run for AACC spanning midway into the fourth quarter to see the Riverhawks take command of the game with a 15-12 lead.

Monroe scored three times in the final 7:28 of regulation to knot the game and the Riverhawks were whistled for three cards in the final 3:21 of regulation.

In the extra session, Monroe won the draw and promptly turned it over at the Riverhawks' goal. AACC's clear attempt failed, setting up the Tribunes for the game-winning goal.

Madi Spencer made seven saves in net for AACC; Monroe keeper Mya Rogers also stopped three shots.

Deans and Dennis earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team. 

The Riverhawks conclude their season with a 4-5 record. Monroe will face Onondaga in the championship game Sunday, May 12, at 12 p.m.