Bel Air, Md. – Harford Community College will host the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Men's Lacrosse Championship for a fourth straight year, this Saturday and Sunday, May 9-10, as its men's lacrosse team aims to capture its fourth consecutive national championship. The No. 5 seeded Fighting Owls play the No. 1 Dragons of Howard Community College, Saturday at 1 p.m., in a semifinal game.

The Fighting Owls (11-2) boast a roster that features student-athletes from three countries (U.S.A., England and Canada) and 16 states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Mexico and New York to name a few. Harford has been dominant so far this season, outscoring its opponents 260-134. The Fighting Owls go into this weekend with a 50-3 (.943) record over the last four seasons, and Verardi enters with a 112-37 (.752) record in 12 seasons at the helm.

Harford reached the semifinal round for the seventh straight season after defeating No. 4 seeded CCBC Essex 23-9 last weekend on the road. The Fighting Owls controlled the game from the outset, building an early lead and maintaining momentum throughout behind a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive play. Harford's ability to win faceoffs, generate scoring opportunities, and limit CCBC Essex's chances allowed it to dictate the pace and prevent any sustained comeback effort.

Offensively, Cody MacNeil led the charge with a game-high nine goals, while Will Goodwin and Hugo Peel each added three goals to pace the attack. Cade Cordingley contributed a multi-point effort, and additional scoring came from George Decock, George Shonfeld, Sam Welsh, Trent Mooradian, Eric Hennessey, and Kyle Murray-Smith in a well-rounded offensive showcase.

On defense, Harford set the tone early, limiting CCBC Essex's scoring opportunities and forcing difficult possessions throughout the game. The unit played with discipline and physicality, consistently winning ground balls and supporting strong clears to keep the pressure on in transition. Backed by a steady performance in goal, the defense held CCBC Essex in check and ensured there was no path to a comeback.

Howard is a familiar foe for Harford, and it will be the fourth time this season the two Region 20 giants will clash. The Fighting Owls had defeated the Dragons 13 straight times, dating back to 2019, before Howard broke through on April 26, in the regional championship. But that 14-9 loss has put the season into perspective for Harford Head Coach Aaron Verardi and his team.

"Our team has worked very hard all year to be in the position to compete this weekend," said Verardi. "We have seen success and failure, which have both played a major role in our growth and preparation. There is no better time than now to be the best version of ourselves."

Championship Schedule (All Times EST):
Semifinals: Saturday, May 9 – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Championship: Sunday, May 10 – 1 p.m.

Tickets
General admission tickets are $15 per day.
Tickets can be purchased online:

• Semifinals – https://bit.ly/26mlaxsf
• Championship – https://bit.ly/26mlaxchamp

 
Clear Bag Policy

To provide a safer environment for the public and expedite entry into the venue, the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship has implemented a policy limiting the size and type of bag allowed inside the stadium. Permissible bags are:

• Clear AND do not exceed 12" long by 12" high by 6" wide
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag
• Small clutch purses not exceeding 4.5" by 6.5"
• Exceptions will be made for medically necessary bags after inspection.
• Prohibited items will not be held during the event.
• Seat cushions without pockets or compartments will be permitted.

Prohibited items include but are not limited to purses or bags larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, computer bags, camera bags or binocular cases. Fans may carry approved items without a bag (ex: binoculars, cameras).

Tournament Website:
Men's Lacrosse - NJCAA Championships

Media Credentials:
Request media credentials for the championship here: https://njcaa.formstack.com/forms/njcaa_championship_media_credential_request_form