The University of Delaware Club Women’s Lacrosse team defeated No. 1 seed University of Pittsburgh 13-11 in the WCLA Division 1 National Championship held Saturday, May 13, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The women’s D1 division consisted of 16 teams. The No. 7 ranked UD team first defeated Virginia Tech 12-5 and then upset No. 2 seed Santa Clara 13-12. The UD team then defeated regional rival UNC 12-9 in the semifinals to earn a spot in the championship, where they upset No. 1 seed Pittsburgh 13-11.

This was the team’s fourth consecutive appearance at the national tournament and first championship title. They were the No. 8 seed last year and ended up placing fifth overall, losing to Georgia, who went on to win the championship title.

"We knew from the very first day of tryouts that we wanted to make it to the championship and we worked hard throughout the fall and spring season to make it happen” said senior co-president Kirstin Lockwood. “We knew that every time we stepped out on the field we had to want it more than anyone else, and that's what we did.

 “There’s something really special about being a part of a team that is completely self-reliant” said senior Marielle Kraft. “We trust each other to work hard, be accountable and make decisions with the best intention of the team in mind. For that reason, we’ve formed an incredibly strong unit both on and off the field.”

Senior co-president Rosie Pimental added, “I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing group of girls … and am very fortunate to have gotten to watch this team grow over the last four years. We could not have done it without the hard work and dedication of each and every one of our team members. These girls are like family and have truly made UD feel like home for me.”

"To end our senior season as national champions is absolutely surreal” said Kraft. “We’ve spent the majority of our lives playing competitive lacrosse, and finishing our careers in the top spot is something we’ve always dreamed about. That dream has become a reality.

For more information on University of Delaware club sports, visit the website.