April 30, 2006

Hamilton, N.Y. - Navy put the finishing touches on its third complete season as a member of the Patriot League in men's lacrosse Sunday by capturing its third-straight League title. Nick Mirabito ignited a five-goal Navy third-period which snapped a 2-2 tie and allowed the Mids to cruise to the 8-5 victory.

Tied at two at the half, the Tournament's second-seed Navy came out and scored four goals to open the third period on goals by Mirabito, William Wallace, Ian Dingman and Jon Birsner 2:25 apart. The run opened up a 6-2 Navy lead with 27 minutes remaining in the contest.

Dingman and Birsner both scored twice for the Midshipmen, while Matt Scheel led the Cadets with two goals of his own.

No. 4 Army's John Walker scored at 7:15 of the third to halt Navy's run, but the damage was done. Dingman's second goal of the period with 2:02 remaining allowed Navy to push its lead back to four (7-3).

Mike Obringer's goal 2:23 into the fourth period pulled the Black Knights back within three, but Navy's Taylor Harris scored with 7:50 to play to put Navy back up four.

The win gives Navy its third-straight automatic NCAA Tournament berth. The NCAA men's lacrosse bracket will be announced on Sunday, May 7.