Maryland Charm Win First Women's Lacrosse League Title

The Women's Lacrosse League crowned its first champion ever on Saturday, and two former Stony Brook Seawolves played starring roles in the historic victory.

Ally Kennedy and Cassidy Spilis helped the Maryland Charm defeat the California Palms 16-13 in Philadelphia to capture the inaugural WLL championship. The win marks a major milestone for professional women's lacrosse, giving elite players a new platform to showcase their skills after college.

Kennedy delivered when it mattered most, scoring two crucial goals including the clincher with just over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter. After California tied the game 9-9 in the third quarter, Kennedy broke the deadlock with the go-ahead goal that swung momentum back to Maryland.

Spilis had an equally impressive performance, recording a hat trick with three goals throughout the game. Her power-play goal in the first quarter set the tone, and she added two more before halftime to help build Maryland's 9-7 lead.

The championship game showcased exactly what fans hoped to see from the new league. Maryland's defense locked down California's offense, holding them to a season-low 13 goals while goalkeepers Caylee Waters and Jenika Cuocco combined for 17 saves.

The Ripple Effect

The WLL's successful first season gives talented female lacrosse players a chance to continue their careers professionally. Kennedy and Spilis join a growing list of athletes who can now make lacrosse more than just a college sport.

Their championship win proves the demand exists for elite women's lacrosse at the professional level. The league provides role models for young girls picking up sticks for the first time and shows them there's a path forward beyond high school and college.

By creating sustainable professional opportunities, the WLL is changing what's possible for the next generation of female athletes. More leagues means more jobs, more visibility, and more proof that women's sports deserve equal investment and attention.

Kennedy and Spilis are now forever etched in the record books as members of the WLL's first championship team, a legacy that will inspire countless young players dreaming of going pro.