In a thrilling NCAA Tournament quarterfinal showdown, the No. 3-seed Maryland women's lacrosse team proved that resilience is the hallmark of champions, rallying for a hard-fought 14-10 victory over No. 6-seed Navy on Thursday. The win punches the Terps' ticket to Chicago for their first Final Four appearance in four years—a moment that has fans and players alike buzzing with excitement.
The game wasn't without its share of drama. Maryland found itself in unfamiliar territory early, struggling mightily in the draw circle as Navy won 12 consecutive faceoffs over a span of nearly 30 minutes. Lead drawtaker Kayla Gilmore was temporarily pulled in favor of freshman Leah Miller, but when the momentum still wouldn't swing, Gilmore returned to the circle and delivered when it mattered most. With the game knotted at 10, the sophomore sliced into the arc, received a crisp pass, and fired the ball into the back of the net—igniting a surge that would carry the Terps to victory.
Despite the glaring challenges in the draw circle and some defensive lapses, Maryland's offense found its rhythm at the perfect time. Six different Terps recorded multiple goals, showcasing the depth and versatility that has become the team's trademark. Kori Edmondson opened the scoring with a spectacular sidearm shot after winding around the crease, a goal that marked her 218th career point and moved her past head coach Cathy Reese on Maryland's all-time points leaderboard—a milestone that speaks volumes about her impact on the program.
The Terps' momentum carried into the second quarter, where they netted three goals in the first five minutes, fueled by sharpshooting that saw them put their first seven shots and 63% of their total attempts on frame. Transfers Kristen Shanahan and Keeley Block added to the firepower, with Shanahan scoring a close-range blast and Block nailing a precise right-elbow snipe.
Navy, however, refused to back down, driven by the brilliance of attacker Alyssa Chung. A Tewaaraton Award finalist, Chung was a force to be reckoned with, scoring the Midshipmen's first four goals and finishing with seven points despite being marked by Maryland's star defender, Maddy Sterling. Chung's performance sparked a five-goal second quarter for Navy, cutting the Terps' lead to just one at halftime.
But Maryland's fourth-quarter surge proved decisive, as the Terps found their stride when it mattered most, securing a spot in the semifinals and reminding everyone why they're a force to be reckoned with on the national stage. For fans looking to channel their inner champion, this game is a powerful reminder that perseverance and teamwork can overcome any obstacle—on and off the field.