PHOTO GALLERY

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Hartford men's lacrosse team will take on Cornell, the overall second-seed, in the program's first-ever trip to the 2011 NCAA Tournament on Saturday, May 14. The Hawks (11-6) and Big Red (13-2) are scheduled to battle at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU at Schoellkopt Field in Ithaca, N.Y.

The Hawks earned their first-ever appearance in the NCAA National Tournament and captured their first America East tournament title thanks to the heroics of junior attackman Ryan Compitello who's game winner with one second left to play in regulation lifted Hartford to an 11-10 win over the #13 Stony Brook Seawolves.

With 11 wins this season, Hartford posted its best record since the 2000 when it finished 14-2. In addition, the Hawks, who have won four of their last five decisions, surpassed its win total in the last four seasons combined (8).

Saturday's first round match-up will be the first meeting between Hartford and Cornell in both programs' Division I histories. The Big Red, who also captured their first-ever league tournament championship with a 15-6 win over Harvard on Saturday, are currently riding a 10-game win streak.

Fans looking to attend the Hawks' first round game against Cornell can follow HartfordHawks.com for updates or contact the Malcolm and Brenda Berman Athletics Ticket Office at 860-768-HAWK or email tickets@hartford.edu.