On Sunday, August 25th, the Chesapeake Bayhawks repeated as Major League Lacrosse Champions bringing the Steinfield Cup back to Annapolis for the fifth time.
The Bayhawks were not a surprise champion this year, but definitely did not have the regular season they were looking for. The Bayhawks started the season 2-2 including a season opening thrashing of the Ohio Machine 14-5. After going 2-2, Chesapeake lost their next two games and Coach Cottle was clearly unhappy with the teams play.
Adjustments were made at that point in the season and from there on out the Bayhawks went 7-1 and found their selves in the playoffs once again. The Bayhawks were awarded the second seed and faced off against the third seeded Hamilton Nationals. The game was won by Chesapeake 13-12. The Bayhawks moved on to play the Charlotte Hounds in the MLL Championship game.
In the championship game on Sunday, an early lead was taken by the Hounds, but that did not stop the Bayhawks from getting what they came for. In the end, Chesapeake took home the Steinfild Cup for the second straight year defeating the Hounds 10-9 in regulation.
