(Photo by Lance Wendt)

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – In just its second year in the MCLA, the Air Force Academy is the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference (RMLC) Division II champion. The Falcons defeated No. 3 Montana State, 12-11, on Saturday at Canvas Stadium on the campus of Colorado State.

With the victory, Air Force (10-1) earns an automatic qualifying berth to the 2023 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance, which will take place from May 8-13 at the Round Rock (Texas) Multipurpose Complex.

Tickets and live streaming for nationals can be purchased HERE.

Air Force spotted Montana State (12-2) the first four goals of the game, but the Falcons slowly climbed back in the contest, sparked by four goals from rookie Mark Tang.

The contest was tied at eight apiece after three quarters, but Air Force managed to build a 12-10 lead with two minutes remaining in the game that held up against the Bobcats late push.

The Falcons will find out on Sunday night their matchup at nationals while Montana State will await its at-large fate.

2023 Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference (RMLC) Tourney

Division II

Semifinals – April 28
#1NW Montana State d. #2SE MSU Denver, 20-6
#1SE Air Force d. #2NW Utah State, 12-3

Finals – April 29
#1SE Air Force d. #1NW Montana State, 12-11