After succumbing to consecutive defeats that eliminated their chances at a Big Ten regular-season championship, the eighth-ranked Maryland women’s lacrosse team was desperate for a victory in their regular-season finale against the 17th-ranked Princeton Tigers. This game was pivotal for the Terps as they sought to regain their earlier, dominant form before heading into the postseason.
The game's initial half saw Maryland struggling to capitalize on key opportunities, allowing Princeton to seize the moment and score effectively. The first 30 minutes were characterized by missed chances for Maryland while Princeton executed on theirs, gaining an early edge.
However, the match's momentum shifted dramatically as the second half began. Maryland, reminiscent of their earlier season performance when they were the top-ranked team in the nation, surged to score six consecutive goals in the third quarter. This pivotal period saw them not only reclaim the lead but also build a significant margin that would be crucial for their eventual 16-12 victory despite a challenging final quarter.
The match kicked off with both teams displaying high energy, trading goals and setting a fast pace from the outset. Initially, the teams were even, but Maryland soon changed tactics, slowing the game which allowed Shannon Smith and Eloise Clevenger to score swiftly one after the other.
However, special teams' play shifted in favor of Princeton, mirroring the difficulties Maryland faced in a recent loss to Penn State. Princeton capitalized on three out of four free positions in the first half, while Maryland missed its single opportunity.
Towards the end of the first quarter, Princeton evened the score, but Maryland's indiscipline saw them miss further scoring chances, allowing Princeton to continue scoring, including a goal while a player down, which showcased their opportunistic play.
After regrouping during a timeout, Maryland managed to answer back with Chrissy Thomas contributing to three consecutive goals, though Princeton managed to level the score by halftime.
In the third quarter, Maryland displayed their strength, largely controlling the play and minimizing mistakes. Their improvement was evident in the draw controls dominated by Shaylan Ahearn and the offensive prowess of players like Kori Edmondson, who scored impressively twice in quick succession.
Despite a somewhat tumultuous final quarter marked by turnovers, Maryland held on, with late goals from Clevenger and Thomas securing the win.
Key takeaways from the game included Maryland’s split performance with a stronger second half, standout hat tricks from several players who collectively scored most of Maryland's goals, and a precarious final quarter that saw them fend off a late surge by Princeton. This game not only provided a much-needed win but also a boost as Maryland prepares for the postseason challenges ahead.
