The stage is set. Kelly Hiller vs Cathy Reese. Teammate vs teammate. #1 vs #2. McFadden vs Katrina Dowd. Karrie Ellen Johnson vs Danielle Spencer for the draws. #7 VS #7 ie Katie Schwartzmann vs Erin Fitzgerald. Goalie Brittany Dipper vs Goalie Brianne LoManto. Maryland’s 7 year consecutive title run vs Northwestern’s 5.
Maryland demolished Cuse friday night before the largest crowd , 8200 ever to witness a Women’s lacrosse game. Sunday’s crowd should be even larger.
Here is the story from umterps.com:
Led by four goals from Caitlyn McFadden, who celebrated her 22nd birthday Friday, No. 1 Maryland topped Syracuse, 14-5, to advance to the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship game. McFadden was one of seven Maryland (21-1) goal-scorers on the night. Karri Ellen Johnson,Katie Schwarzmann, Sarah Mollison, and Laura Merrifield all added a pair of goals as Maryland advances to its first national title game since 2001 and its 15th overall in program history.The Terps put together a spectacular first half in which they dominated every statistical category and, most importantly, the score. A 7-2 first half lead was due much in part to an 8-2 draw control advantage. Merrifield and Mollison led the scoring charge through 30 minutes with two goals each. The Maryland defense did not allow an Orange goal until Hillary Quillinan finally got a shot past Terp goalie Brittany Dipper at 12:52. Maryland outshot Syracuse, 17-9, in the first stanza.
Some observations of the night:
Mike Fekula of the Terrapin times asked Gary Gait about the Maryland men’s lacrosse job opening. Gait responded with a few kinds words about Dave Cottle and the dead silence.
Cathy Reese really had her team ready. Yes, Cuse made a run in the 2nd half but they really never had the ball with Maryland up by less then 3.
I loved how the Terps would not rest on the lead and just put the Orange to sleep.
Sarah Mollison is tough as nails. If Maryland is to win the title expect Sarah to be a major player Sunday night.
That’s it for tonight. Listen in to Press Box Live this morning for much more on the game.
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