The challenge will be a formidable one for Coast Guard Academy men's lacrosse Saturday.

To earn the program's first New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference tournament title, Coast Guard has to defeat Springfield, which has captured 10 straight conference championships and 19 overall.

The title game tussle begins at 1 p.m. at Cadet Memorial Field in New London.

In Wednesday's semifinal round, top-seeded Coast Guard (14-3) beat No. 4 MIT 17-9, while second-seeded Springfield outlasted No. 3 Babson 12-11 in overtime.

Coast Guard coach Ray LaForte has great respect for Springfield (12-5). He's concerned about the Pride's quality depth, pointing out his opponent has 50 legitimate players.

"It's a hell of a challenge," LaForte said.

Springfield took the regular season meeting 11-8 on April 18 in New London. The game remained close until the Pride opened the fourth quarter with four straight goals and then held on.

Coast Guard gained a huge dose of confidence by winning at Springfield 9-8 last season, for its only win in the series.

It's one of the four-year program's most significant victories.

"The beauty of this is we know we can beat them," LaForte said. "That shine is off. We know we can beat them. They know we can beat them, so we're going to get their best. We're not going to sneak up on them and they're not going to sneak up on us."

The matchup will pit the highest scoring teams in the conference, as Springfield averages 12.47 goals per game and Coast Guard 12.24. Sophomore Riley McNulty is the top offensive threat for the Bears, chipping in 70 points on 44 goals and 26 assists. Junior Jack Vail (23 goals, 27 assists) and senior Tom Hurley (32 goals, 17 assists) are scorers to watch for Springfield.

The Bears also feature a stingy defense that's ranked 10th in the country, allowing 6.24 goals per game. Junior goalie Trey Johnson has a conference-leading 6.55 goals-against average.

As a first-time finalist, the Bears will battle nerves as well as a tournament-tested opponent.

Junior Benner Geurtsen believes the Bears will maintain their poise under championship game pressure.

"Absolutely, I have no doubt," Geurtsen said. "I think we're playing beyond our years right now. I think guys who are freshmen are playing like seniors. And our seniors, their leadership, you couldn't ask for a better group."

An NCAA tournament berth also is at stake on Saturday.

Coast Guard is determined to end Springfield's postseason run.

"NEWMAC has never had two teams go to the NCAA tournament, so you've still got to beat Springfield College," LaForte said.