BOX SCORE
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Top-seeded Princeton advanced to the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse National Championship game with a 14-7 victory over Duke in the national semifinals Saturday at Scott Stadium. Behind a dominant performance in goal from Ryan Croddick and a strong second half, the Tigers secured the program’s 12th appearance in the national title game and first since 2001.
Croddick was the difference throughout the afternoon, making 20 saves and repeatedly denying Duke scoring opportunities as the Blue Devils attempted to claw back into the game. The Princeton defense held Duke to just three second-half goals, while Croddick anchored a unit that repeatedly turned away Duke chances throughout the afternoon.
After a tightly contested opening half, Princeton carried a 6-4 lead into the break before taking control in the third quarter. The Tigers outscored Duke 5-2 in the period to create separation and never allowed the Blue Devils to seriously threaten the lead down the stretch.
Andrew McMeekin also played a major role in Princeton’s control of the game, winning 20 of 24 faceoffs while collecting 15 ground balls to help the Tigers dominate possession.
Chad Palumbo led the Princeton offense with four goals and two assists, while Tucker Wade added three goals. Quinn Krammer recorded two goals and two assists, and Cooper Mueller scored twice as Princeton’s offense continued to produce throughout the lineup.
With the victory, Princeton advances to Monday’s NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship game against Notre Dame. The Ivy League enters Monday with an 11-8 all-time record in NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship games. Faceoff against the Irish is at 1 p.m. on ESPN.