Bergs’ five goals and stellar defense leads Pioneers to first lacrosse National Championship
The Denver University Pioneers are Men’s Lacrosse National Champions!
These are words that have been wished upon but never spoken. In 2011, 2013, 2014 they made it to the Final Four but get knocked out on the first day. But on this day those words can be heard all the way back to Denver.
Senior Wesley Berg who had five goals in the title game said “: It’s been a long journey. We were one goal away from Loyola our first year and they ended up winning it. We had a really good team then. And the same with l and we stuck to it and things went our way this time. And it’s probably because of all the perseverance we had and all the confidence we had in our team and the depth we had this year losing to Syracuse in that close game. And just like this year, we were one goal away from losing again.
Denver started early and kept their foot on the pedal. Wesley Berg would score three times in the first ten minutes of the game to help put Denver up 3-1. Connor Cannizzaro would score his lone goal of the game (57th) placing him second all time in goals during a season in school history, but his 90 points would break the all time point record.
Maryland seemed to get a little momentum as they drew within two at 5-3 as we came to the end of the first half, but Denver would not let the momentum swing the other way. Zach Miller (1), Colin Woolford (1) and Wesley Berg (5) with 7:07 left in the third would double up the Terps 8-4.
Maryland’s defense would start shutting down the Denver offense to a tune of zero goals in 20:46 of playing time, but the offense would only score one goal as the Denver defense returned the favor keeping the Terps scoreless for 20:23. During the stretches for both teams defense the goaltending and defense were spectacular. Ryan LaPlante came up with some huge saves to keep Maryland off the board.
This was Coach Tierney’s 7th National Championship. He becomes the first coach to win NCAA Division 1 National Championships at two schools (Princeton 92, 94, 96, 97, 98, 2001). His title in 2001 along with this one will be special. In 2001 his son Trevor was the goalie for the Princeton Tigers team that defeated Syracuse 10-9 in overtime. On this day, Trevor is the assistant coach.
The Pioneers started the building of their program when Coach Tierney came over from Princeston. “Yeah, it’s been unbelievable to see the growth of this program since Coach T moved out to Denver”, said LaPlante.
Freshman Connor Cannizzaro said, “I haven’t been here as long as these guys have been. I’ve been watching them since my brother’s been here, and it’s just special to come in my first year and share this moment with the seniors and all the players and the coaching staff”.
When you talk about Coach Tierney to the Denver players, he is much more then just a coach.
Connor Cannizzaro–“He’s definitely made me a smarter player. He lets me know when I make a bad play and a play that I shouldn’t have made. It makes me better every time. Just listen to him. He’s one of the best coaches ever to coach this game of lacrosse. I’m just glad I have the opportunity to play under him.
Ryan LaPlante: “I’m just glad that I’ve had the great opportunity to play for one of the greatest coaches, if not the greatest coach in the sport of lacrosse since I decided to come to this school”.
Wesley Berg: “I could say what he’s done for me as a player, but more so as a person. That’s the guy he is. It’s not just about lacrosse with us and that’s why this program has been so strong, and we bring in the right people and the right team dynamic and that starts with him. And he’s obviously helped me as a player but he’s made me a better person”.
There is no doubt winning the National Championship will be bringing more students west to play for Coach Tierney.
Maryland head coach John Tillman had a lot of praise, not only for Denver and coach Tierney, but also the Philadelphia and its fans. “Certainly a worthy champion. Played well all year and played very, very well today, very clean game. Every aspect of play they were excellent. Middle of the field, offense, defense, in the goal, they were tremendous, and it obviously speaks to the players they have, but also the coaching staff. So they did an excellent job, and obviously a shout‑out to the city of Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Field. Just an amazing experience over the last four days with our players, something that they’ll always remember. First class all the way”
This was a battle of two of the best teams in lacrosse. Denver wins its first title ever, but don’t count out the Terps. This team will be back again in 2016, and maybe…just maybe, the hardware is only a bus ride down Interstate 95.
Fun Notes
- Wesley Berg, tournament Most Outstanding Player tied Gary Gait for the fourth most goals in an NCAA Tournament with 15.
- Wesley Berg’s 5 goals tied for sixth most in a championship game at the Division 1 level.
- Wesley Berg set a season high for goals in Denver history with 58.
- Maryland finished with a school record 15 wins.
- Denver ends season ona 13 game winning streak.
- Denver earned it’s first ever win over Maryland. Loosing the previous four including NCAA Tournament loses in 2006 & 2008.
Weekend Attendance..
Div 1 Semi-Final:……..29,123.
Div. II & III Final:…….19,559.
Div I Final:……………24,215.
Total Attendance:………72,897
Previous NCAA Final Four Attendance
http://www.laxpower.com/common/NCAA-Attendance.php
