No. 1 Maryland women’s lacrosse defeats No. 2 Michigan in defensive battle, 8-6

Eloise Clevenger stormed through the Michigan defense and slammed a shot past Erin O’Grady with only two seconds on the shot clock. The Terps’ lead grew to two with less than five minutes left. 

Clevenger’s dagger sealed No. 1 Maryland’s 8-6 victory over No. 2 Michigan in a defensive battle Saturday in Ann Arbor. The win was important for the Terps, who bounced back following their disappointing home loss to No. 14 Penn on Wednesday. 

Maryland (10-2, 3-0 Big Ten) trailed 5-2 at the 14:05 mark of the third quarter but excelled over the rest of the game, outscoring Michigan (11-1, 2-1 Big Ten) by five goals. Clevenger played a crucial role in orchestrating the Terps’ second half comeback with three goals on only three shots. 

“We rely on Eloise a lot,” coach Cathy Reese said. “She’s a tough player and she’s not just a feeder, she’s a scorer too. And so when we can bring out and really highlight those traits of hers, our offense can be more successful.” 

Maryland found some early looks, grabbing a 2-0 lead with goals from Shannon Smith and Victoria Hensh. But Michigan’s tough defense played a physical style that challenged the Terps’ offense throughout. 

The Wolverines’ defense stifled the Terps after their quick scores, holding Maryland to a near 23-minute scoring drought to close out the first half.

Michigan faced multiple man-down situations in the second quarter but the Wolverines stayed disciplined and prevented the Terps from getting many quality chances. Maryland missed its last nine shots of the first-half — an ongoing issue as the Terps have only scored two second-quarter goals in their last three games. 

Maryland finally started to figure out Michigan’s defense in the third quarter, as four of its five shots in the frame found the back of the net.

“To be down and out against a team like Michigan is a tough spot to put ourselves in, but the way that these guys rebounded and responded is something to also be really proud of,” Reese said.

Clevenger struck twice within the first three minutes of the period. Kate Sites scored only her second goal this year. Hannah Leubecker shook off her defender to score a tough goal and tie the match entering the fourth frame.

Leubecker proved her status as one of the country’s best scorers, netting a huge early fourth quarter score to put Maryland back in the lead for the first time since the 7:53 mark of the opening period. 

Clevenger scored the late clincher to secure the victory. Her strong offensive performance was aided by another stand-out match from the Terps’ defense. 

O’Grady, the nation’s leader in save percentage, didn’t start for Michigan because of an injury. Backup Maya Santa-Maria performed well, saving six shots while allowing six goals. The Wolverines subbed O’Grady in to finish the match late in the third quarter. She allowed two goals with just one save.

Maryland’s defense — after allowing 13 goals in their defeat to Penn — looked back to form early. The Terps frustrated the Wolverines’ offense for most of the first quarter, staying tight and not giving any room to operate. 

“Our defense was awesome,” Reese said. “All seven of that crew, whoever was in at any given time anchored by Emily [Sterling], did exactly what was asked of them.” 

Michigan finally broke through late in the opening period as a well-designed pick play freed up Jill Smith for a goal. Julia Schwabe added another score two minutes later to tie the match after one quarter. 

Schwabe scored again early in the second quarter, beating Sterling on a free position shot to grab the lead. Kaylee Dyer scored late in the frame to put the Wolverines up by two at the half. 

Michigan’s momentum carried into the second half with a quick goal from Smith. But the offense missed six of its final seven shots in the third period, with the lone score an Ava Class goal. The Wolverines’ lackluster offense in the frame allowed the Terps to tie the game entering the fourth quarter.

The Wolverines failed to score over the final 15 minutes. Their offensive struggles proved too much to overcome.

Sterling stepped up in big moments for Maryland, recording nine saves. She faced 18 first half shots while allowing just five goals. 

The Terps now have a week to prepare for No. 3 Northwestern next Saturday in College Park in another top-five conference clash.