Salem, Va. C.W. Post exploded for four goals in the first seven minutes of the second half to pull away from West Chester and claim the 2007 NCAA Division II Womens Lacrosse national championship, 15-7, Sunday afternoon at Spartan Field in Salem, Va.
Top-ranked and undefeated C.W. Post (17-0) scored 30 seconds after halftime and followed with three more quick tallies surrounded by a marker for West Chester (19-2) that gave the Pioneers a 7-3 advantage.
The Pioneers continued to apply the pressure, outscoring the Golden Rams, 10-2, after halftime.
Both teams played a patient first half, valuing time of possession over a running style. The result was the lowest scoring half of the season.
West Chesters defensive effort kept C.W. Post in check and within striking distance.
Jackie Baker converted a free position attempt with 12:29 left in the half that put the Golden Rams on the board, 3-1. Baker charged to the goal off the whistle, but switched to her left hand for a shot that beat Post goalkeeper Lauren Scipione inside the near post.
Katy Crouse later converted a fastbreak, beating Scipione between the legs to make it, 3-2.
However, in the final two minutes of the half, West Chester had difficulty finishing on two golden opportunities, which would have tied the contest. Instead, the Pioneers capitalized on a fastbreak in an unsettled situation to score with 15 ticks left on the clock to take a 4-2 lead at the break.
Chrissy Kane scored four goals and Baker scored twice to lead West Chester in scoring.
Mary Beth Green made 10 saves for the Golden Rams. She compiled 28 saves in the tournament.
C.W. Post was led by Shannon Fabian, who had eight points. Scipione made eight saves.
West Chester placed
Stephanie Kienle, Kane and Baker on the all-tournament team.
