Newtown native Eric Burbank and the University of Tampa men's lacrosse team won the NCAA Division II National Championship, beating two-time defending champ Adelphi University 12-11 in overtime at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va. on May 24.

Burbank, an attackman, contributed a goal and an assist. He finished the year with 49 points (31 goals and 18 assists) with a Sunshine State Conference (SSC) All Conference Selection. He also earned All SSC Offensive Player of the Week recognition in March and helped Tampa to a 21-1 season.

"Playing in the game was a dream come true. It’s been something I have been working for my entire life and it was truly a culmination of countless hours of work and practice," said Burbank, who played high school lacrosse at St Joseph in Trumbull.

"I’ve played lacrosse at many different levels and can say confidently that the talent level of the guys on our team and in the championship game was unbelievable. Getting to the championship was a very difficult, yet rewarding journey that was made possible by the commitment of our team and coaches," said Burbank, a graduate student wrapping up his MBA in August. Burbank previously played at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.