The men’s lacrosse team may need extra time in baggage check, because it’s returning from the national tournament in Denver with some championship hardware.

The Tommies successfully defended its national championship Saturday by defeating Utah Valley University 12-9.

“Unbelievable. It hasn’t really sank in yet,” junior Joe McCullagh said.

“There isn’t any other feeling like it,” senior Dayne Smith said.

Junior Cooper Maxon, senior Jason King and sophomore Tony Sadder each had a pair of goals to lead the St. Thomas offense.

“When I started, a [champion]ship wasn’t even in the cards,” Smith said. “And now we’re perfect.”

The Tommies jumped ahead 5-3 at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. St. Thomas scored the fewest amount of goals and gave up the most it had all tournament, but experience paid off in the second half as the Tommies gave up just three goals to preserve the lead and take the championship.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game,” McCullagh said. “We owe our last game to our defense.”

Junior Joey Costello spoke of the team’s desire to build a dynasty, and Saturday’s win gave Tommie lacrosse back-to-back national championships.

Jordan Osterman can be reached at jrosterman@stthomas.edu