Maryland’s men’s lacrosse team, seeded seventh, is making a return to the NCAA championship game for the 17th time in program history. The Terps clinched their spot in the final with a commanding 12-6 victory over sixth-seeded Virginia, witnessed by a crowd of 32,269.
The Terps (11-5) will vie for their fifth NCAA title and third in the last seven tournaments. They previously secured championships in 1973, 1975, 2017, and 2022. Their opponent, top-seeded Notre Dame (15-1), will meet them on Memorial Day, May 27, at 1 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. The game will be televised on ESPN, featuring a rematch of the last two national champions: Maryland from 2022 and Notre Dame from 2023.
Maryland established an early lead, scoring three goals within 80 seconds to go up 4-1 late in the first quarter, a lead they maintained throughout the game. The Terps’ defense held Virginia to a season-low six goals, the Cavaliers’ fewest since an 11-4 loss to Loyola in 2016. Standout performances included Eric Spanos with two goals and three assists, Daniel Kelly with a hat trick, and Daniel Maltz contributing two goals, totaling eight in three NCAA tournament games.
Luke Wierman, Maryland’s all-time leader in face-off wins and groundballs, was pivotal, winning 15 of 22 face-offs and scooping up 10 groundballs. His contributions in the NCAA tournament have been remarkable, with a 71.4% face-off win rate and 33 groundballs in three games.
On the defensive end, Enners Outstanding Player of the Year Award winner Ajax Zappitello led the charge, causing three turnovers and limiting Virginia’s top attackman, Connor Shellenberger, to a single goal. Goalie Logan McNaney made eight saves, solidifying Maryland’s defense, which allowed only 14 shots on goal from Virginia.
The Terps showcased a well-rounded offense with 11 players contributing points. Daniel Kelly's three goals marked his second hat trick of the season, while Spanos' five-point game highlighted his 12th career multi-goal game. Wierman, with his continued dominance in face-offs, added his third goal of the tournament.
Defensively, Maryland was impenetrable, with significant contributions from Colin Burlace, who scored a rare pole goal and notched his first career assist. The Terps' defensive unit consistently thwarted Virginia’s attempts, ensuring a comfortable lead throughout the game.
Maryland’s storied history in the NCAA tournament includes 46 appearances, 29 Final Four trips, and now 17 championship game appearances. Under Coach John Tillman, the Terps have made every tournament since 2011, boasting a 31-10 record and 11 championship weekend appearances.
Luke Wierman continued to break records, becoming the program’s all-time leader in face-offs and groundballs. His career totals now stand at 864 face-off wins and 466 groundballs. Goalie Logan McNaney moved up to fourth on the all-time saves list with 575 career saves, while Daniel Maltz climbed to 11th on the all-time goals list with 120.
As the Terps prepare to face Notre Dame, their focus remains on securing their fifth NCAA championship. With a rich history of success and a formidable lineup, Maryland aims to add another title to their legacy. The championship game promises to be an exciting clash of the last two national champions, showcasing the best of college lacrosse.
Date: Monday, May 27
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Broadcast: ESPN
