AMHERST, Mass. — No. 2 Massachusetts used a strong second-half defensive effort to defeat third-seeded Davidson 14-7 Friday afternoon at Garber Field in the Atlantic 10 Lacrosse Semifinal. The Minutewomen advance to their 13^th straight A-10 title game.

UMass (14-2) will face No. 4 Saint Joseph's Sunday in the championship final at noon on ESPN+ The Hawks defeated N. 1 Richmond earlier Friday. The winner will receive the Atlantic 10's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The Minutewomen held Davidson (11-4) to two goals in the second half while recording five to break open a game that had been close for most of the first half. A-10 Midfielder of the Year Stephanie Croke scored five minutes into the second half to spark a 4-0 scoring streak for UMass. Kaitlyn Cerasi, Maddy Moloney and Olivia Muscella all recorded goals in that streak.

The teams traded scores through the first 20 minutes of the first half, with two ties and a one-goal differential  at 11:58. UMass scored four of the final five first  half goals, including two from Kelly Marra.

The Massachusetts defense held Davidson to 15 shots on goal while taking 28. The Wildcats led in saves, 14-8 and 13-10 in draw controls. Caused turnovers were close, with UMass holding a 9-8 edge.

Cerasi and Croke each tallied three goals to lead UMass. Cook was the Davidson leader in goal with two, while Olivia Carey led all played with three assists.