Maryland captured their 11th National Title Sunday night. There was a record-breaking 10,311 fans in attendance for Sunday’s match. The Terps had an extremely successful season, being ranked first or second in polls across the board. Syracuse also had a great season, and these two teams going head-to-head in the championship match was definitely a game to watch.
Four of the five Tewaarton finalists took the field, Alyssa Murray and Kayla Treanor of Syracuse, and Taylor Cummings and Megan Douty of Maryland. The level of intensity exhibited by both teams was unlike anything I’ve seen before. Both teams were fighting their biggest battle yet.
Maryland was a great team to watch all season—their continued success and the growing intensity of their game was unmatched by any opponent. Syracuse played a great game on Sunday, but Maryland’s increased possession created problems and didn’t allow for the Orange to utilize their offensive players to their full potential, and their game primarily relied on their defensive lines.
Going into the game, Maryland had a lot of favoritism, as Syracuse’s only three losses of the season were to the Terps. They played well, but the Terps had what it took to become victorious, especially after Syracuse’s rocky start to the championship match.
It was a great year overall in NCAA Women’s Lacrosse. I personally have learned a new appreciation for the way these teams play and how the level of competition seems to be growing with each match. It was great to see two of the best teams face off for the championship. It couldn’t have been a competition between more deserving teams.
