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Eyes of Collegiate Lacrosse World on Philadelphia Area For NCAA Championships

By Ian Bush

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Delaware Valley is transformed into lacrosse country this holiday weekend, with the University of Maryland winning the women's collegiate title last night at PPL Park, in Chester.

This afternoon, the Maryland men were taking on the University of Denver at Lincoln Financial Field, with the NCAA championship on the line.

 

lax kids outside linc _bush
(KIds play lacrosse outside Lincoln FInancial Field, where the NCAA men's finals are being held. Photo by Ian Bush)

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For some of the thousands of fans on hand, it's a family affair.

"Gimme a T...E...R...P...S!  Terps! Terps! Terps!"

Frank Allen has every right to tip the decibel scales.  His son Isaiah is a sophomore midfielder for Maryland.

"It's about him playing for the team and not for himself," says Frank.  "Being there for the team is more important to him and everyone around him."

"He's been the rock of the team," says Claire Davis.  Forgive her for being slightly less deferential -- she's Isaiah's mom.  "He's the heart and soul of the team -- he will do anything the coach asks him," she said today.

Grandma Dee and Aunt Jan were at the Linc, too.

"It's amazing -- I've only been here for the Eagles, and it's nice to be here for Isaiah's team," said Dee.

"It's something we couldn't conceive of when he signed his papers.  This is as special as it gets," added Jan.

But you don't have to be related to any player to appreciate the prowess.  Eighteen-year-old Zack, from North Jersey, says he hopes to bring Denver's unselfish style of play to his own game:

"They have a lot of assisted goals, as opposed to just driving at the net," he notes.

Who's his favorite?

"Trevor Baptiste -- he's the man.  He's electric."

In the end, Denver was victorious, 10-5, over Maryland.

 

 

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