AACC Womens Lax Wins Region 20 Title

The following article was submitted to the Broadneck Patch by Duane Herr, who works closely with the athletics department at  (AACC).

Anne Arundel Community College’s womens lacrosse team earned a trip to the 2012 National Junior College Athletic Association's National Championship Tournament with its win over Essex in the Region 20 Tournament last weekend.

The Pioneers hosted the tournament and entered as the top seed, drawing Community College of Baltimore County Essex in the opening round.

AACC put it on early, carrying a 10-4 lead into halftime. Allowing just one goal in the second half, the Pioneers defeated Essex 16-5 to advance to the championship round of the tournament.

Meghenn Jackson and Mary Milligan each scored six goals in the game. Jackson added a pair of assists. Nina Herron scored twice and earned four assists. Erika Arrildt scored twice with an assist and Karlee Zywusko had one assist. Brittany Kincer earned nine saves.

The other opening-round game was Nassau Community College versus Howard Community College in a match-up of the second and third seeds in the tournament. Nassau defeated Howard in a high-scoring game, 22-13, advancing to the district championship game against AACC, and also securing a spot in the National Tournament.

Due to a combined district tournament, Nassau's victory meant AACC secured the region championship and a trip to nationals. Nassau is not a member of Region 20.

The Pioneers took an early advantage and led 6-1 at the half. With their backs against the wall, the Nassau women came out strong in the second half, scoring seven goals.

The Pioneers would only score one more goal in the second half losing the game 7-8. Milligan led the Pioneers with four goals. She also had one assist. Jackson scored twice and Zywusko scored once. Herron earned three assists and Arrildt had one.

Despite the loss, AACC (17-1) had already secured their second consecutive region title and a trip to Nationals with the win against Essex. In the opening round of the national tournament, which begins May 12, the Pioneers will play against Monroe Community College. earlier in the season 13-12. Monroe is also the host site for the tournament. 

Duane Herr is physical education and athletics assistant at AACC. You can contact him at dpherr@aacc.edu.