Tomei's Stalwart Defense Powers Keiser to Tournament Championship

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. - After an impressive defensive showing in the semifinal round, Christian Tomei stepped his game up even more in helping Keiser to the 2023 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Men's Lacrosse Tournament championship on Saturday.

The semifinal and championship rounds where hosted by Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky.

Tomei, who made 17 saves in the semifinal win against Webber, recorded 20 stops as Keiser defeated Cumberlands 13-4 to claim its first league title.

The Seahawk goalkeeper notched seven saves in the first quarter as Cumberlands snagged an early 1-0 lead. Keiser's offense woke up in the second, scoring six times to take a 6-1 lead into the half. Tomei made nine saves in the second, giving him 16 for the half.

Keiser opened up a 9-1 lead in the third, but Cumberlands reeled off three consecutive goals to make it 9-4 early in the fourth. However, the Seahawks scored four goals in the span of 95 seconds to seal the 13-4 win and the tournament title.

For his efforts, Tomei was named the Tournament MVP. Joining him on the All-Tournament Team are Cole Stassi, Cam Provines, and Reese Niemeier of Keiser; Michael Toohey, Chrystian Coleman and Dawson Coltran of Cumberlands; Brady Hanak and Ezequel Ceant of Reinhardt; and Jordan Elam and Christian Tapia of Webber.

By virtue of winning the tournament championship, Keiser receives an automatic berth to the NAIA Men's Lacrosse National Championship, which is set for May 10-13 in Pensacola, Fla.

Friday, April 21
Game 1 - No. 3 Webber def. No. 6 SCAD Savannah, 24-6 (box)
Game 2 - No. 4 Cumberlands def. No. 5 Tennessee Wesleyan, 19-9 (box)

Friday, April 28
Game 3 - No. 4 Cumberlands def. No. 1 Reinhardt, 12-11 (box)
Game 4 - No. 2 Keiser def. No. 3 Webber, 10-2 (box)

Saturday, April 29
Game 5 - CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH - No. 2 Keiser def. No. 4 Cumberlands, 13-4 (box)