Salisbury 14, Middlebury 13
National Championship Game
May 25, 2003

Box Score       PHOTOS
Baltimore, Md - Sophomore attackman Chris Phillips scored the game-winning goal 29 seconds  into sudden-death overtime to lift Salisbury to its fourth national championship and first since 1999 with a 14-13 win over Middlebury before 15, 417 fans at Ravens Stadium on Sunday. 

The celebration begins following the game-winning goal by Chris Phillips

The Sea Gulls (19-1) built a 10-4 halftime advantage and then watched Middlebury (17-2) rally with a 9-3 second half run to force the extra period.  Salisbury's Andy Murray won the face-off to begin overtime, and Phillips scored the championship winner on SU's first shot in the period, beating Middlebury goalie Eric Krieger from the left side. 

"Coach called a timeout and called the Cardinal play and I knew it was coming to me," said Phillips, who finished with three goals and three assists. "I just had to do my job, catch the ball and put it in the back of the net. I was overwhelmed with joy. It was awesome. I'll never forget it."

"That play is a "pick-the-picker" play that we run when we swing the ball from behind the net," explained Head Coach Jim Berkman, who claimed his fourth title since 1994. "You swing the ball behind and (Phillips) came off it and he was wide open and he stuck that shot."

Senior Josh Bergey was named the game's Most Outstanding Player after leading the Sea Gulls with four goals and four assists.  Bergey registered his fourth assist on Andy Arnold's goal with 4:35 remaining in regulation that knotted the score at 13-13. Bergey finished the year with 72 goals and 120 points.

Junior Joe Tamberrino added two goals and two assists for SU, registering all four of his points during Salisbury's 7-1 second quarter run. Arnold also finished with two goals.

Salisbury set a new school-record with its 19th win of the season and closed the year with a nine-game winning streak.