BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – New Hampshire methodically pulled away from defending national champion Michigan State on Sunday afternoon, winning 14-7 and capturing the inaugural Continental Lacrosse Conference (CLC) Division I championship at Bridgewater-Raynham High School.

With the win, the Wildcats (11-0) earned an automatic bid in the 2019 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour, which will be held in Salt Lake City from May 6-11. This will be UNH's third trip to nationals and the first since 2002.

After spotting Michigan State (8-7) the first two goals of the game, New Hampshire responded with a six-goal run to take a 6-2 edge midway through the second quarter.

The Spartans would narrow the gap to 6-4 at halftime, but would get no closer the rest of the way.

John Leach was credited with 20 saves in the victory.

2019 CLC Division I Tournament
(Taunton & Bridgewater, Mass.)

First Round – Friday, April 26 (Forekicks, Taunton)
#2E Connecticut d. #3E Boston College, 14-11
#2W Davenport d. #3W Pittsburgh, 13-5

Semifinals – Saturday, April 27 (Forekicks, Taunton)
#1E New Hampshire d. #2W Davenport, 16-8
#1W Michigan State d. #2E Connecticut, 12-8

Finals – Sunday, April 28 (Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School)
#1E New Hampshire #1W Michigan State, 14-7