Shea Baker and Madison Taylor shared a brief hug in line after Boston College’s 14-13 comeback win over Northwestern in the NCAA women’s lacrosse championship game.

After they had played the last three quarters of the title match head-to-head, it was a gesture of respect. Of congratulations and of empathy.

And the recognition that the two would be working toward the same goal within a few weeks.

Baker, the BC defenseman, and Taylor, the Northwestern forward, will play together for the 2024 U.S. women’s under-20 national team.

Twenty-two were chosen to represent the United States at the World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship in Hong Kong, China, in August. The final tryout took place just three weeks after the NCAA finals.

“We’re just happy to have each other and have the opportunity to be on the same team,” Taylor said. “What makes this so cool is that everyone is on the same team and we probably never would have played together or even known each other.”

Baker and Taylor became well acquainted with each other in the national title game. After Taylor scored twice to help Northwestern take a 6-0 lead, the Eagles switched up their defensive matchups and put Baker on her.

“I’ve always looked up to Maddy,” Baker said of the Tewaaraton Award finalist. “She’s amazing. And to match up with her in the biggest game of our lives and then have her on my team and learn more about her as a player and a person is amazing. I remember meeting her at the first training camp and I was like, ‘She’s so cool.’ It’s awesome to have her on my side of the coin with the USA in the red, white and blue.”

Taylor scored a hat trick in the third quarter, but ultimately Baker and the BC defense slowed Northwestern’s offense enough to mount a rally in one of the greatest championship games in history. When they reunite, it will be as teammates as they both try to make the final cut and help the U.S. team repeat as world champions.

“I’m just excited to see (my teammates) and maybe get to know them a little bit better than I did before,” Taylor said. “Shea guarded me, so I have a lot of respect for her. She’s a great player.”