Photo Credit: Michael J. Franco

Maryland wins Big Ten title, Rutgers get at-large bid to NCAA Tourney

The Mother's Day Championship Sunday matchup in the women's lacrosse Big Ten tournament between Maryland and Rutgers did not disappoint. Maryland eventually pulled away late to beat Rutgers 18-8 to win the Big Ten championship and pick up the automatic bid to the Women's Lacrosse NCAA Tournament.  

The first half was entertaining as both teams put early shots on goal, as the score was tied at seven at halftime.

Rutgers struggled and seemed flat in the second half as they could not gain any momentum and scored only one goal in the fourth. The Scarlet Knights did not have the same energy from the first half and didn't stick with the same game plan. They let Maryland score ten unanswered goals to make it 17-7. Rutgers eventually scored, but it was too late. Maryland kept the pressure on Rutgers' defense and was locked in, especially in the second half.

Cathy Reese Reaches 300 Wins 

Congratulations to Maryland's head coach Cathy Reese on a significant milestone as she leads the Terrapins to the NCAA Tournament. Three hundred wins is a huge accomplishment in coaching because you have to be consistent, build connections right away with your players, and give them that one message before the season starts. And to pick up the 300th win of your career with a Big Ten title is a great way to hit that milestone. 

The player spotlight for Maryland goes to Hannah Leubecker, who scored five goals, Libby May, who picked up four goals and Aurora Cordingley, who finished with four goals.

The player spotlight for the Scarlet Knights goes to Taralyn Naslonski with three goals and Marin Hartshorn, who scored two goals.

Rutgers NCAA Tournament Bound


Even with the loss to Maryland, Rutgers found out that they made the NCAA Tournament on Sunday night. On Friday, the Scarlet Knights face the St. Joseph's Hawks in First Round action in Stony Brook, New York, at 2:30 p.m. The winner of that game gets the winner of Drexel and the host school Stony Brook.