Photo Galleries: Semifinals | Championships

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Much of the focus of the entire athletics department was laid on moment No. 2 in our list as the year closed with the biggest sporting event ever hosted by the College - the 2010 NCAA Division II and III Women's Lacrosse Championships.

Nearly two years of preparation went into the event which was officially awarded to Gettysburg in the fall of 2008. In that span of time, the athletics facilities underwent dramatic changes with the opening of The Center of Athletics, Recreation and Fitness the following fall and additional improvements to the women's lacrosse playing venue, Clark Field, named after former Bullets' soccer goalkeeper John '52 and Mary Clark. Thanks to generous support from the Clark family and Gettysburg's Orange & Blue Club, a number of improvements were made to the lacrosse/soccer venue, including the addition of a fully operational press box, an new sound system, and two sets of permanent bleachers.

"Mr. Clark is a long-time supporter of our athletic department,” stated O&B Director Ben Rupp, “and his continuous leadership and generosity, along with support from the Orange & Blue Club, have really turned this field into a first-class facility. It was really amazing getting to experience our College hosting a major event like this year's championships."

Behind the scenes, the athletics staff and other College personnel stepped to the plate and ensured a smooth and problem-free weekend for eight aspiring national championship teams. From the time the teams checked into their hotels on Thursday to the final championship contest Sunday afternoon, they were met by attentive and informative members of the staff who sought to fulfill their every need.

“Gettysburg College is a popular destination for NCAA championships not only due to the success of many of our programs, but also in large part to the role that our outstanding staff performs serving as hosts,” said Director of Athletics David Wright. “The dedicated athletic department staff takes great pride in welcoming teams, coaches, administrators and NCAA officials to our campus. Gettysburg College always performs above expectations when it comes to hosting NCAA events and the professionals who work in the department are the reason why.”

Thousands of fans filled the stands from May 22-23 to watch a pair of teams battle their way to titles in their respective divisions. In the Division III bracket, the host Bullets tangled with Salisbury University, while Franklin & Marshall College and Hamilton College formed the other semifinal. The Sea Gulls and Continentals proved the better teams on that day, setting up an epic showdown in the finale.

Salisbury weathered an opening barrage by Hamilton to tie the game at the start of the second period. The Sea Gulls tossed in the final two scores of the game and then survived a last-second offensive flurry by the Continentals to walk out of Clark Field with a 7-6 victory and the program's first national title.

Rain filled the skies during the Division II semifinals, which featured an improbable comeback and a fierce New York rivalry. Trailing 8-3 with 15:49 left in the game, West Chester University scored the final five goals in regulation and turned in the game-winner just over a minute into the overtime session to down Lock Haven University 9-8. The night ended with Adelphi University ending top seed and bitter rival C.W. Post's postseason run with a 14-9 decision.

Adelphi had no issues in wrapping up its second-straight and fourth national championship with a dominating performance against the Golden Rams in the final.

Numerous remarks have been made commending the College's effort in hosting the championships, both from participating institutions and fans in attendance. The athletics department has also received praise from members of the NCAA and CBS College Sports, the latter of which performed live broadcasts of both championship games.

“It is a tribute to Gettysburg and its department of athletics that a successful weekend of championships was conducted, and notably, I have heard nothing but positive comments,” wrote NCAA Interim President James L. Isch in a letter to the athletics department. “All parties involved did an excellent job of administering the competition.”