Preview: No. 1 Maryland women’s lacrosse readies for top-five clash with No. 2 Michigan

No. 1 Maryland women’s lacrosse (9-2, 2-0 Big Ten) faces off against No. 2 Michigan (11-0, 9-2 Big Ten) in a top-two Big Ten showdown on Saturday in Ann Arbor. 

The Terps are coming off a disappointing 13-9 loss to No. 14 Penn just days after earning their first top-rank since 2020. 

The Quakers used their tough defense to stifle the Maryland offense and go on goal runs to grab momentum. The turning point was a Penn goal just before halftime followed by two quick third-quarter scores, including Anna Brandt’s fourth goal of the day to push the lead to four. 

The Terps struggled to keep possession, committing 18 turnovers which allowed Penn to attempt 13 more shots. Turnovers have been an ongoing issue for Maryland — the Terps are averaging 14.1 turnovers per game. 

“I think we have to hold ourselves accountable,” attacker Hannah Leubecker said. “There were so many turnovers that we want back, there were unforced little bumps and checks, things that we need to adjust to in game so that’s on us.” 

Leubecker was a bright spot on the day, as she’s been all season for Maryland. She leads the squad with 32 goals this year and added another four-goal outing against the Quakers. 

A big factor in the Terps’ overall success this season has been their domination with draw control. Shaylan Ahearn and Meghan Ball’s chemistry has allowed Maryland to control 158 of the 262 draws it has faced. But Penn flipped the script on Wednesday and controlled 15 of the 26 faceoffs. 

The draw and turnover struggles put extra pressure on what has been an excellent Terps’ defensive unit. Maryland still ranks fifth in scoring defense in the nation with only 7.82 goals allowed per game, but the Terps are 0-2 when they allow double-digit goals — including the Quakers’ 13 goal performance. 

 “I don’t think we’ve played a full game yet this season,” goalkeeper Emily Sterling said. “But I think we know what we’re capable of.” 

Maryland’s next opponent is the number one scoring defense in the country. The Wolverines have allowed just 5.73 goals per match and held opponents to a measly .248 shooting percentage. 

Michigan backside is anchored by junior goalkeeper Erin O’Grady, who leads the NCAA with a .657 save percentage. She’s allowed 48 goals while saving 92 shots. 

“This number of 18 turnovers needs to go down,” coach Cathy Reese said. “You know, that’s not a Michigan problem. That’s a Maryland problem.” 

The Wolverines’ offense is led by Jill Smith, who leads the squad with 35 goals to go with 10 assists. Smith scored seven goals in their last contest against Marquette. 

Kaylee Dyer is the other piece of Michigan’s one-two goal-scoring punch, netting 33 goals on the year. Caroline Davis is the squad’s facilitator with a team-high 13 assists. 

The Wolverines are undefeated this season with four ranked wins, including a close 6-5 victory over Penn where Smith scored with 18 seconds remaining to secure the win. 

Maryland is 10-0 all-time against Michigan, including a 13-7 victory in College Park last season, highlighted by a five-goal day from Libby May. This year’s matchup figures to have big implications for next week’s Inside Lacrosse Media Poll. A Michigan victory would likely secure the top-ranking for the Wolverines.