For the first time since 2010 and fourth time in Centennial Conference history, Franklin & Marshall and Gettysburg are both headed to the NCAA Final Four in the same season. The Diplomats and Bullets each secured victories in the NCAA quarterfinals on Sunday afternoon to advance to the semifinals next Friday in Salem, Va.
In Gambier, Ohio, F&M defeated Pomona-Pitzer 18-13 to advance to the Final Four for the 12th time in program history (ninth in the NCAA era). The Diplomats (18-4) will be making their first appearance in the national semifinals since back-to-back trips during the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
The Diplomats put the pressure on early and rode that strong opening half to a win as they were up 7-3 following a strong 15 minutes, but added to that advantage during a 5-1 second quarter. Four different F&M players recorded hat tricks in the victory, led by five goals and one assist from Sydney Lowe. Gillian Brennan added four goals and one assist, with Lydia Cassilly (3 g, 3a) and Maddy Birch (3g) routinely finding their chances to score.
The Diplomats will now take on top-ranked Middlebury on Friday at noon at Kerr Stadium. The defending national champion Panthers (21-0) defeated Colby 12-7 to move on to the semifinals.
In Lexington, Va., Gettysburg downed York (Pa.) 17-8 to return to Salem and the national semifinals for the second straight season. Caroline Sullivan finished with six assists for the second time in the month of May and added a pair of goals for a career-high eight points. Jordan Basso scored five goals and added an assist for the Bullets, while Gillian Cortese backstopped the defense with a career-high 10 saves.
Gettysburg advances to the national semifinals for the ninth time in program history and return to Salem, Va., for the final weekend for the second straight year and fifth time overall. The Bullets (18-4) will take on William Smith (21-0) at 3 p.m. on Friday in the second semifinal of the day. William Smith topped Tufts 14-4 to move on to the semis.