2012 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship: Northwestern Wins, 8-6

Northwestern earned its seventh championship in eight seasons as they beat a surprise Syracuse squad in the championship game in Stony Brook, 8-6.

The final score was modestly close, only two goals, but the game was much less even. Northwestern controlled 10 of the first 11 draws and dominated possession, with Tewaaraton Award finalist Taylor Thornton notching two goals and two assists on the way to the victory.

The game was fast-paced from the offset, with Northwestern leading 5-4 at the halftime break. But afterwards, NU slowed the game down, only taking a few shots and generally playing keepaway to preserve its victory over the Orange.

The Wildcats didn’t face their toughest opponent -- they lost to Florida twice earlier in the season -- but Syracuse knocked out the Gators in the semis to prevent the Wildcats from playing the No. 1 seed.

For more on college lacrosse, visit College Crosse. For more on Northwestern, make sure to check out Sippin’ on Purple, and for more on Syracuse, check out Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician.