ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Apr. 29, 2007) -- Nick Mirabito led the U.S. Naval Academy with four goals and two assists, as top-seeded Navy (11-3) defeated second-seeded Colgate, 15-9, Sunday afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md.

Mirabito was named the Patriot League Tournament Most Valuable Player for his efforts. Rob Lenseth recorded his first three goals of the season for the Midshipmen, while teammates Ian Dingman, Tim Paul and Basil Daratsos each added a pair of goals. Dingman, along with Jordan DiNola, Colin Finnegan and Tommy Wallin were selected to the All-Tournament Team.

Colgate (10-5) opened up the scoring at the 10:49 mark of the first period when Matt Lalli tallied his 19th goal of the season. The Raiders extended the lead to 2-0 when E.J. Atamrian scored. Navy's Terrence Higgins reduced the Colgate advantage to 2-1 following his third goal this season.

The two squads alternated the next four goals, before All-Patriot League performer Dingman tied the score at 4-4 at 13:12 of the second quarter. Daratsos gave the Mids their first lead of the game after he scored his 15th goal. However, Joshua Back of Colgate brought the Raiders even at 5-5 with 8:48 remaining in the opening half.

Navy extended its lead to 8-5 at halftime after Lenseth, Mirabito and Wallin scored for Navy.

The Raiders posted the first two goals of the third period to bring Colgate to within two goals. Lalli and Kevin Colleluori helped cut the Navy lead to 8-7. However, Navy scored four of the game's next five goals to provide Navy with a 12-8 lead with 7:50 remaining in the game.

Colgate's Lalli recorded a hat trick, while Nick Monastero registered one goal and two assists. Lalli, along with Chris Eck and Brandon Corp represented the Raiders on the All-Tournament Team.

Navy has won all four Patriot League Tournament titles and will advance to the NCAA Championship. The 16-team will be announced on Monday, May 7.

PATRIOT LEAGUE MEN'S LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP

Colgate - 4 - 1 - 3 - 1 - 9
Navy - 3 - 5 - 1 - 6 - 15

PATRIOT LEAGUE TOURNAMENT MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Nick Mirabito, Navy

PATRIOT LEAGUE ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Ian Dingman, Navy
Jordan DiNola, Navy
Colin Finnegan, Navy
Tommy Wallin, Navy
Chris Eck, Colgate
Matt Lalli, Colgate
Brandon Corp, Colgate
Ray Rogusa, Army
Kevin LoRusso, Army
Tim Brandau, Bucknell
Austin Winter, Bucknell