GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - For the first time in the history of the men's lacrosse program, the Fighting Owls appeared in an NJCAA National Championship Final.

Unfortunately for Harford, it came up on the wrong side of a 12-11 double overtime loss to the No. 1 Nassau Lions, Sunday afternoon inside the Mitchel Athletic Complex.

Big plays from Nassau's Skylar Wilde and Jack Pucci kept the Lions alive and eventually earned them the title. A goal with one second left on the clock in the third by Wilde drew Nassau within two of the Fighting Owls heading into the final 15 minutes. Pucci and Wilde scored or assisted every goal in the fourth, with the latter tying the game with a strike in the dying seconds of the contest to force overtime.

After Harford and Nassau traded chances through the first overtime, it was Pucci who'd score the winner in double overtime with a fade away shot that hit the top left corner of the net.

The Fighting Owls led or were tied for the lead for the entire game until Nassau's final goal. Harford's defense was anchored by an outstanding performance from goalie Jason Roland, who made 16 saves to keep Harford out in front.

Freshman duo Pete Behrens and Taz DeLaney led the parliament with three goals each on offense. Trevor Sousa came through with two scores, while Cayden Onagi, Nate Surd and Jack Bauer each had one.

Harford ends the 2021 season with a 9-1 record.

For more information about the Harford Fighting Owls, visit www.harfordathletics.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Harford Athletics), Twitter and Instagram (@FightingOwlsHCC)