Maryland Women’s Lacrosse Dominates Oregon in Historic Matchup: 16-4 Victory
COLLEGE PARK, MD — In an electrifying display of talent and teamwork, the No. 6 Maryland women’s lacrosse team convincingly defeated the Oregon Ducks 16-4 in their inaugural matchup, held at the breathtaking Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex on Thursday. With this win, the Terps improved their season record to 7-2, including a solid 3-1 against Big Ten opponents.
A Stellar Start
From the onset, the Terps made their intentions clear, igniting the scoreboard with seven unanswered goals within the first period. Their defense was impenetrable, limiting the Ducks (5-6, 0-4 Big Ten) to a scoreless first 27 minutes. This remarkable start not only set the tone for the game but ensured Maryland maintained the lead throughout the contest.
Hat Trick Highlights
The Terps shined particularly brightly on offense, with three players netting hat tricks. Leading the charge was the dynamic Kori Edmondson, who matched her career high with four goals. This marked the 23rd hat trick of her illustrious career, and she has now recorded six hat tricks this season. Alongside her, Lauren LaPointe contributed significantly with three goals and two assists, achieving her own career-best of five points. Meanwhile, Emma Abbazia celebrated her first career hat trick, capping off a fantastic day for Maryland’s offense.
Social Media Buzz
The excitement wasn’t limited to the field, as fans took to social media to share their enthusiasm:
"Another hat trick for Kori! 🎩" – Maryland Women’s Lacrosse Twitter
Additionally, Shelby Sullivan scored twice, marking her as another key player in this dominating performance. Maisy Clevenger not only netted a goal but also dished out a career-high three assists, showcasing her playmaking ability.
Defensive Dominance
In the goal, JJ Suriano excelled with five saves before the second half saw a rotation in goalkeepers. Lydia Ward, Caroline Smith, and Carly Peterson shared duties in the cage, solidifying Maryland’s defense. The Terps were also adept at controlling possession, winning an impressive 15-of-21 draw controls.
As described in the post-game analysis, Maryland outshot the Ducks with a staggering 39-14 margin and a staggering 33-9 in shots on goal. Oregon’s goalie, Paige Crowther, was busy throughout the match, making an impressive 17 saves.
Breaking Down the Action
The Terps’ superior offensive strategies were evident throughout each quarter:
First Quarter: Maryland emerged with a 4-0 lead, featuring contributions from four different scorers. Maisy Clevenger orchestrated the attack, assisting on three of those goals.
Second Quarter: The offense continued to thrive, gaining an 8-1 lead at halftime. Kori Edmondson had two scores, while LaPointe and Abbazia secured their second goals of the day.
Third Quarter: Maryland surged ahead to a 13-3 lead, with Edmondson completing her hat trick and both Devin Livingston and Jordyn Lipkin adding to the total.
- Fourth Quarter: Abbazia and LaPointe both netted hat tricks, with LaPointe scoring early in the quarter.
A Legacy of Excellence
Under head coach Cathy Reese, Maryland boasts an impressive 177-12 home record, securing eight undefeated home seasons in the past 11 years. The Terps have only lost two conference home games during her tenure, making the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex a fortress for the team.
Quick Facts to Remember
- 1: This was the first-ever meeting between Maryland and Oregon.
- 3: Three Terps recorded hat tricks in this match.
- 15: Maryland has a stellar .93 victory rate at home under Coach Reese.
Looking Ahead
The Terps now set their sights on their next challenge, facing No. 15 Penn on March 31 at 4 p.m., with the game streamed on ESPN+. As Maryland looks to build on this momentum, fans are left eagerly anticipating what this talented roster will achieve next.
Catch all the action and updates as the Terps continue their quest for excellence in the 2023 season.
