The departure of Marist College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute from the Division II ranks of the Tri-State Conference certainly left a void in the competition. Marist the winners in 2022 and 2023 had been preceded by William Paterson University who had developed a very strong 7s program that had fared well at Nationals. But with WPU no longer fielding a team and Marist gone the door was open for a new champion.

 

The semifinals saw the 3 pool winners advance and then one of the 3 second placed teams would join them to make the 4 playoff teams. 

 

In Pool A Hofstra University, the host for the tournament, went 3-0 and headed that pool as the Pride saw off challenges from Molloy College, Seton Hall University and SUNY-New Paltz B. The latter agreed to fill in after Bard College dropped out.

 

In Pool B it was Vassar College that took first place as they defeated Drew University, Montclair State and SUNY-Maritime College. Drew University went 2-1 and would hope to get through as the second best team.

 

In Pool C the Fairfield University team defeated USMMA, Kings Point as well as SUNY-New Paltz A and Seton Hall University B. SUNY-Oneonta dropped out and Seton hall B filled that slot.

 

It was Seton Hall University from Pool A that advanced to join those 3 Pool winners and it made for a couple of very compelling semifinals.

 

Fairfield outmaneuvered Seton Hall to the tune of 29-19 but the scoreline definitely reflected well on the credibility of Seton Hall to be in the playoffs. Meanwhile Vassar College came from behind to nip Hofstra University right at the end in a thriller 24-21.

 

The final saw Vassar dominate the first half in terms of territory but at the final whistle it was Fairfield who had added solid attack to their staunch defense and the Stags took the title, 19-5.

 

Congratulations to Fairfield University on their success and thanks to Hofstra for hosting the championship.