Smith lifts MCC to regional title

HERKIMER, NY - Melissa Smith (Geneva, NY/Geneva) scored the game-winning goal 40 seconds into the third overtime to lift MCC to a 12-11 win over Onondaga CC in the Region III women's lacrosse title game Sunday.

The Tribunes (15-2) move on to the NJCAA national tournament next weekend. Winner of the last two national titles, MCC will host the tournament next Saturday and Sunday, May 12 and 13.  Monroe opens up with Anne Arundel at 11 a.m. Saturday.  The other semifinal pits Nassau CC with Onondaga.

OCC led much of the second half before Monroe battled back to tie it late. Smith also netted the equalizer near the end of regulation, with the score coming on a clearout with the sophomore starting behind the cage.

The score remained tied at 11 through two 3-minute overtime periods.

MCC controlled the draws most of the game, and it was no different starting the sudden victory overtime period.  Emily Peets (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Sutherland) was the victor this time, and the Tribunes quickly got the ball to Smith, who ended the game in dramatic fashion on the same play that tied the game in regulation.

Smith finished the game with two goals and three assists, and Kelly Reilly (Corning, NY/Corning East) added five goals and two assists.  Courtney Reuter (Newark, NY/Newark) and Hannah Barnett (Gorham, NY/Marcus Whitman) both scored twice and Peets added a goal and an assist.

Remle Harr (Fairport, NY/Fairport) finished with 10 saves.

Smith was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.  She was joined on the All-Tournament team by Reilly, Harr, and Megan Roland (Palmyra, NY/Palmyra-Macedon).

Head coach Craig Chamberlain was named the Region III Coach of the Year.