2014 NCAA Season Preview: University of Maryland (Men’s)
The University of Maryland Men’s Lacrosse team hasn’t played a meaningful game since last May, a game in which they fell 8-16 to perennial contender Cornell in the NCAA First Round. Their next meaningful game is less than two weeks away when they welcome Mount St. Mary’s Saturday, February 8 to College Park. The Terps are coming off last year’s 10-4 campaign in which they managed to reach the NCAA tournament for the 11th-straight season, which is the longest active streak in Division I men’s lacrosse. Despite the string of playoff success, an early First Round exit is not acceptable for Terp fans; Head Coach John Tillman and staff know they have a younger team this season but feel as confident as ever.
The Terps rank sixth in the Men’s Division I preseason poll. However considering their strength of schedule, it is likely they won’t remain in that No. 6 spot too long. The schedule features seven games against teams ranked among the preseason Top 20, and seven home games scheduled for Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. “We have, and always will, have one of the toughest and most challenging schedules in the country and this year is no exception,” said fourth year Head Coach John Tillman in an interview with insidelacrosse.com. “We also want to get into key areas that are important for our fans and alumni and this year’s schedule does just that.” Difficult early games on 2/22 at Syracuse (Feb. 22) and 3/2 against Duke will be a huge test for the young Terp offense.
The 111th meeting of “Lacrosse’s Greatest Rivalry” will be played on Saturday, April 12 when the Terrapins take on Johns Hopkins at Homewood Field. The Terrapins will need to lean on what experience they do have and trust in their younger talent if they want to get through this schedule in one piece and extend that record setting playoff streak to 12.
2014 NCAA Season Preview: University of Maryland (Women’s)
Maryland’s women’s lacrosse team has been ranked No. 2 behind defending National Champion North Carolina in the Inside Lacrosse preseason Brine Media Poll. The perennial powerhouse fell to the Tar Heels 13-12 in dramatic fashion in last season’s National Championship game. Not only was it North Carolina’s first title but it was also the first loss of the season for the Maryland women.
There are no surprises at the top of the poll; however, the field is wide open this season. Will the perennial powerhouses like Northwestern or Maryland hoist the trophy as we’ve seen in recent years? Will popular sleepers like Syracuse or Florida capture the title? Or can North Carolina repeat history and add another trophy to the school’s collection? Regardless of the outcome, storylines will be vast this season as the women’s game continues to gain momentum and generate interest nationally.
The 2014 college lacrosse coverage across ESPNU and ESPN3 features a schedule of nationally-ranked programs and top-caliber games including 29 men’s and two women’s regular-season games, as well as the crowning of the ACC, America East and Ivy League tournament champions.
