An accurate shot in the last six seconds of play lifted Salisbury over Middlebury, 11-10, in the Division III Men's Lacrosse Championship game May 29. The game was played before a Division III-record crowd of 20,803 at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.

The victory clinched the Sea Gulls' third consecutive title and sixth overall. The Gulls finished the 2005 season with a perfect 20-0 record, while the Panthers posted a 17-2 slate.

Salisbury has been dominant all season never trailing by more than one goal all year until Middlebury opened a two-goal margin with just over five minutes left in the championship game. But Salisbury scored two quick goals and then ran down the clock to set up the game-winner by junior attackman Chris Phillips with 5.6 seconds left. Phillips also clinched the 2003 title over Middlebury with the final goal in a 14-13 victory.

Besides Phillips, team members also credited senior goalkeeper Dan Korpon for playing a huge role in the win. Korpon in fact was named the tournament's most outstanding player, finishing with a game-high 12 saves. In the first quarter, Korpon registered five saves, the same number he posted in the last period.

"I've been a Danny Korpon fan for years," said Salisbury coach Jim Berkman. "You don't win championships without a great goalie, and Danny has proven over and over he's exactly that. He played a great game today and deserves the recognition he's getting now."

The 2005 victory over the Panthers brings Salisbury's consecutive win streak to 49, a record for all NCAA divisions.

Salisbury's championship win came despite a range of statistical victories for Middlebury. The Panthers led the Sea Gulls in face-offs, shots and ground balls. The Panthers' dominance of face-offs was especially surprising to the Sea Gulls -- Salisbury senior Bryan Bradford entered the game having won 258 of 391 in his career, but Middlebury allowed him only five of 18 in the championship game.

Middlebury has appeared in six of the last seven Division III championship games and has faced Salisbury in four finals.

"Our styles of play are so similar that when we do play them, there have been some great match-ups," Panthers coach Erin Quinn said. "That fuels the rivalry a little bit, and makes it a lot more exciting and a little more fun."

Semifinals

Middlebury scoring: J.P. Coviello 2, Jim Cabrera 2, Chip Campbell 2, Jamie Duke 2, Aaron Herter 1, Dave Leach 1, Travis Meyer 1, Henry Sheehan 1, Nick Bastis 1, Mark Foster 1.

Nazareth scoring: Ryan Hotaling 6, Bryan Adams 2, Chris Balash 2, Bryan Coon 1, Matt Aloi 1.

Shots: Middlebury 42, Nazareth 31. Goalkeeper saves: Middlebury (Alex Palmisano) 12. Nazareth (Alex Civialier) 14.

Salisbury scoring: Justin Smith 5, Matt Dasinger 3, Mike Edwards 1, Dan Boyer 1, Mike Hurley 1, Casey Olejniczak 1, Jimmy Creighton 1.

Roanoke scoring: Matt Duke 2, Chris Keating 2, Zack Thomas 2, Adam Leahy 2, Dan Reed 1, Jon Mason 1, Nick Derby 1.

Shots: Salisbury 34, Roanoke 26. Goalkeeper saves: Salisbury (Dan Korpon) 10, Roanoke (Matt Madalon) 14.

Championship game

Salisbury scoring: Chris Phillips 2, Jimmy Creighton 2, Mike Hurley 1, Eric Bishop 1, Justin Smith 1, Casey Olejniczak 1, Mike Edwards 1, Matt Dasinger 1, Jeff Bigas 1.

Shots: Salisbury 33, Middlebury 39. Goalkeeper saves: Salisbury (Dan Korpon) 12, Middlebury (Alex Palmisano) 8.