BALTIMORE - The top-seeded UMBC Retrievers downed No. 4 Binghamton, 6-3, and No. 3 Albany won an overtime thriller, 14-13, versus No. 2 Stony Brook to advance to the title game of the 2006 America East Men's Lacrosse Championship on Friday night at UMBC Stadium Complex. The Retrievers and the Great Danes meet on Sunday at 12 noon.
With the exception of both being hotly contested affairs, the evening's two semifinals were near polar opposites of one another. UMBC and Binghamton combined to score nine goals, the lowest total in conference tournament history, while Albany and Stony Brook racked up 27 goals, the third-highest tally in league tourney play.
Terry Kimener's three goals and one assist paced the Retrievers to their first-ever America East title game. Kimener assisted on Drew Westervelt's go-ahead goal and two of Kimener's three tallies were insurance goals to seal the deal for UMBC.
Albany used a balanced offensive attack as four players netted two goals apiece, while Ryan Hughes paced Stony Brook with a game-high four goals. Hughes' biggest tally of the evening came with just five seconds remaining in regulation as he scored to even the game at 13-13 and force overtime. Albany's Chris Martocchia then up-staged Hughes' goal by netted the game-winner 1:15 into overtime.
The Great Danes move on to their fifth-straight title game and will be looking for their fourth-straight title on Sunday as they take on the host Retrievers. Tickets will be available at the UMBC Lacrosse Ticket Booth on Sunday, beginning at 11 a.m.