STONY BROOK, N.Y—A determined and driven Northwestern women’s lacrosse accomplished its ultimate goal and extended one of the most incredible dynasties in the history of college athletics, defeating No. 4 Syracuse, 8-6, Sunday night in Stony Brook to capture the program’s seventh national championship in the last eight years.The Wildcats received a go-ahead goal from Tewaaraton Award finalist Taylor Thornton to break a 6-6 tie with 9:55 remaining and protected its lead down the stretch, wrapping up a 21-2 championship season.Senior Shannon Smith took home her second straight NCAA Tournament MVP honor after a two-goal, two-assist performance in the championship game. Smith concludes her career with an NU record 254 goals and moved into second all-time in NCAA history with 58 points scored in NCAA Tournament play.

Jessica Russo scored the first goal of the night for NU and now can celebrate the ‘Cats’ seventh NCAA title in eight years.