RIT’s pursuit of a third men’s lacrosse national title came to an end this weekend, as the Tigers fell to top-ranked Tufts University 17-11 in the Division III championship.
No. 1 Tufts seized control in the second quarter, outscoring the Tigers 7-3 during that frame. The teams were separated by one goal in the second half, as RIT was unable to mount a comeback.
Sunday’s game marked RIT’s sixth national final appearance and fourth in six years. The Tigers won back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022.
RIT’s finalist team includes several Section V alumni:
- Liam Wheeler, Victor: Sophomore midfielder appeared in four games this season.
- Anthony DeRosa, Webster Schroeder: First-year defensive midfielder played in all 24 games. He recorded two goals, five assists and 28 ground balls.
- Jackson McEnerney, Livonia: Junior midfielder scored six goals and four assists in 14 games.
- Quinn Kailbourne, Honeoye Falls-Lima: First-year midfielder scored four goals in 10 games.
- Oliver Grisdale, Irondequoit: First-year midfielder appeared in five games this season.
Greater Rochester Lacrosse hall of famer Shawn Wilkins is a member of RIT’s coaching staff. Wilkins, in his 17th year as a coach with the program, played lacrosse and ice hockey at the school from 1998 to 2001. He also played professionally for the Rochester Rattlers (Major League Lacrosse) and Rochester Knighthawks (National Lacrosse League).
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: RIT loses to Tufts in Division III lacrosse championship