In a hard-fought battle at SECU Stadium, the USC lacrosse team faced off against the powerhouse Maryland squad, ultimately falling 13-7. Despite the loss, the Trojans showed flashes of brilliance against the third-ranked Terrapins, who remain undefeated this season.
Key Players
Junior attacker Emma Bunting was a standout for USC, notching her third hat trick of the season and adding an assist for a total of four points. Her offensive prowess was on full display, offering a glimpse of her potential to lead the team.
Redshirt junior midfielder Hollis Mulry contributed two goals, showcasing her versatility by also picking up two ground balls and causing a turnover. Junior attacker Reese Robinson was active as well, tallying two points and dominating the draw with five controls.
On the defensive end, senior Kate Gerrity and sophomore Sophie Gangemi were pivotal. Gerrity caused two Maryland turnovers, while Gangemi led the team with four ground balls and added a caused turnover to her stats.
In goal, junior Annie Shields faced a barrage of 31 shots, making eight crucial saves to keep USC in the game.
For Maryland, Keeley Block spearheaded the attack with four goals and an assist, while Lauren LaPointe led all scorers with six points. Kori Edmondson also impressed with a hat trick, underscoring Maryland's offensive depth. Goalkeeper JJ Suriano made seven saves, anchoring the Terrapins' defense.
How It Happened
USC struck first, with Mulry finding the back of the net just over a minute into the game. However, Maryland's Edmondson quickly leveled the score, setting the tone for a defensive showdown in the first quarter, which ended tied at 1-1.
The second quarter saw the Terrapins shift gears, executing a 6-2 run to take a 7-3 lead into halftime. Despite Bunting and Robinson's efforts, Maryland's offensive surge proved challenging for the Trojans to counter.
Maryland extended their lead in the third quarter, but USC showed resilience. Mulry scored through contact, and Bunting added another goal, yet Maryland maintained control with timely scores from Block and LaPointe, pushing their lead to 11-5 by the quarter's end.
In the fourth quarter, Bunting completed her hat trick, sparking a 3-0 USC run that brought the Trojans within four. However, Maryland's defense tightened, and late goals from Edmondson and LaPointe sealed the Terrapins' victory.
Up Next
Looking ahead, USC will aim to regroup as they host Rutgers at Rawlinson Stadium. The matchup is set for Saturday afternoon and will be broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network.
Game Notes
The Trojans' loss to Maryland moves them to 0-2 all-time against the Terrapins. USC continues to seek a breakthrough against ranked opponents, with a current season record of 1-6 in such matchups. The challenge remains as they look to improve their standing in the competitive Big Ten landscape.