The Maryland women's lacrosse team is one win away from returning to the NCAA Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2022, but standing in their way is a Navy squad that has been nearly perfect all season.
As the No. 3 seed, the Terps looked dominant in their second-round victory over Rutgers, jumping out to a fast start and never looking back in an 11-8 win at the Shell. The first quarter, in particular, showcased Maryland's high-powered offense at its best, overwhelming the Scarlet Knights' defense with relentless scoring pressure.
But despite the convincing win, goalkeeper JJ Suriano made it clear the team isn't satisfied yet. "We always talk about improving communication," Suriano said after the game. "Every now and then we'll have a lapse, and it's bound to happen." That focus on tightening up the little things will be crucial as the Terps prepare for their toughest test yet.
Thursday's quarterfinal matchup against No. 6-seed Navy is loaded with storylines. Not only are the Midshipmen nearly undefeated—their only loss came against then-No. 22 Loyola (Md.) in a 19-14 shootout—but they also boast the nation's only 20-win season. The game is set for 5 p.m. at SECU Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPNU.
Perhaps the most compelling narrative is the coaching battle. Maryland head coach Cathy Reese will face off against her former mentor, Navy's Cindy Timchal, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in lacrosse history. Timchal's eight national titles remain the most of any coach in Maryland athletics history, and her 613 career wins are the most in collegiate lacrosse. She has brought that championship pedigree from College Park to Annapolis, turning Navy into a powerhouse.
For the Terps to advance, they'll need to contain a pair of Navy stars who have been lighting up the stat sheet all season. Sophomore attacker Alyssa Chung (No. 18) is a Tewaaraton Award finalist and leads the Midshipmen with 111 points. Her 3.71 goals per game rank eighth nationally and second in the Patriot League. Meanwhile, senior attacker Maura Murphy (No. 32) has been a force in the draw circle, recording 173 draw controls against some of the best competition in the country.
Maryland will need to be sharp from the opening whistle, communicate effectively on defense, and find ways to slow down Navy's dynamic playmakers. If they can do that, the Terps will punch their ticket to the semifinals and keep their championship dreams alive.