(Photo by Chris Larson)

CHASKA, Minn. – St. Thomas rallied from a four-goal first-half deficit to defeat Grand Valley State and win the Upper Midwest Lacrosse Conference (UMLC) Division II championship on Sunday at the Eastern Carver County Athletic Center.

With the win, the Tommies (13-3) earn an automatic qualifying berth to the 2022 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance, which will take place in Round Rock, Texas, from May 9-14.

UMLC DIVISION II BRACKET

After each team scored a goal in the first frame, Grand Valley State (9-3) exploded for a five-goal second quarter that sent the Lakers into the halftime break leading, 6-2.

The Tommies answered by outscoring GVSU, 7-2, in the final 30 minutes to walk away with the championship.

St. Thomas advances to nationals for the 15th consecutive season and will look to add to its record total of six national championships. Grand Valley State will await its at-large fate when the selection committee releases the brackets on May 1.

2022 UMLC Division II Tournament – Bracket

Friday, April 22 - Chaska High School
#2W North Dakota State d. #3E Minn.-Duluth, 9-8 (ot)

Saturday, April 23 - Chaska High School
#1W St. Thomas d. #3W St. John’s, 16-7
#1E Grand Valley State d. #2W North Dakota State, 17-7

Sunday, April 24 - Eastern Carver County Athletic Center
#1W St. Thomas d. #1E Grand Valley State, 9-8