Terps Triumph! No. 2 Seed Dominates No. 6 Seed Orange, 14-8, to Reach the Finals – University of Maryland Athletics

Maryland Men’s Lacrosse: Road to the Championship Final

The Maryland men’s lacrosse team is on a roll! They secured a spot in the NCAA championship game by defeating Syracuse 14-8 at Gillette Stadium. This marks their ninth title game appearance in 14 years, and they’re looking for their fifth national title.

Maryland is boasting an impressive record of 14-3, with 10 of those wins against ranked teams. Their next match is against Cornell, a rematch from the 2022 championship, set for May 26 at 1 PM.

In the semifinal against Syracuse, the Terps fell behind early but quickly surged ahead with an 8-0 run. This strong start allowed them to maintain control throughout the game. Eric Spanos led the scoring with four goals and an assist, showcasing his exceptional skill with his fifth hat trick of the season.

Defensively, the Terps were equally impressive. Players like Geordy Holmes and Will Schaller made key contributions by disrupting Syracuse’s top scorers. Schaller held Syracuse’s leading scorer, Joey Spallina, to just one assist. This strong defensive performance is a hallmark of Maryland lacrosse; they’ve held opponents to single-digit goals 14 times this season.

Logan McNaney, the star goalie, made 14 saves, marking the 15th time this season he’s recorded double-digit saves. He now holds the Maryland program record for saves with 778, surpassing a record that stood for over 40 years. His presence has been crucial for the team’s success.

Statistical Highlights

• Maryland has a strong tournament history, going 76-42 since 2011 and making 22 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances—an NCAA record.
• The team’s defensive strategy has been effective. Under Coach John Tillman, the Terps are 139-13 when they allow nine goals or less.
• Maryland has scored at least 10 goals in 173 out of 197 games under Tillman, highlighting a winning formula for the team.

User Reactions on Social Media

Fans are buzzing with excitement on platforms like Twitter. Many are celebrating Spanos’ spectacular plays, while the team’s ability to come back from an early deficit has generated a wave of support and enthusiasm.

One fan tweeted, “Maryland proves once again that they’re a force! Can’t wait for the rematch against Cornell!” The energy around the team is palpable as they aim for yet another national title.

As the game day approaches, fans and analysts alike are anticipating a thrilling contest. With the way Maryland has been playing, they have not only a strong chance of adding to their trophy cabinet but also to reaffirm their dominance in men’s lacrosse.

This championship match promises to be a showcase of talent, strategy, and the spirit that defines Maryland lacrosse.

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