Three Maryland women's lacrosse teams are competing for their conference championship Sunday. After defeating their opponents in the semis, University of Maryland, Loyola University and Towson University each have a chance to earn their conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
University of Maryland Routs Rutgers
The top-seed Terps rolled past Rutgers Friday night, 16-9. Maryland (17-0) will face three-seed Northwestern Sunday at 12 p.m.
"I think we did a great job on both sides of the ball tonight, especially in the first half," head coach Cathy Reed said in a statement. "Rutgers did a great job of pushing back in the second half, but I was proud of the way we kept going. I'm happy we're still playing for a Big Ten championship."
Senior midfielder Taylor Cummings (3G, 2A) and junior attacker Caroline Wannen (2G, 3A) led the Terps offensively with five points each. Three Terps - Zoe Stukenberg, Megan Whittle and Taylor Hensh each score hat tricks.
Sunday's championship game is a matchup of two powerhouse lacrosse programs. Maryland and Northwestern have a combined 20 national championships, including 10 of the last 11 titles.
When the two teams met in the regular season, the Terps dominated outscoring the Wildcats 12-2 in the second half resulting in a 17-4 victory. Maryland has won the past four meetings with a combined score of 59-20.
With 17 straight victories, the Wildcats will have their work cut out for them against the Terps. Maryland is looking for the second consecutive Big Ten title in the conference's short two-year history.
Towson University Edges Elon
The Tigers defeated Elon 8-6 Friday night to advance to the CAA championship. This will be Towson's sixth straight CAA championship game. They face CAA-rival James Madison.
"I'm very excited," said head coach Sonia LaMonica in a statement. "Hats off to a really great Elon team and I'm proud of the effort that our girls showed. It was a great win for us. We told the team at halftime to play our game and be aggressive."
Alyssa Ferro and Jenna Kerr each recorded two goals, Samantha Brookhart and Natalie Sulmonte each tallied a goal. Freshman goalie Angie Benson made eight saves.
The Tigers have advanced to every CAA title game under LaMonica.
Towson faces the James Madison Dukes Sunday May 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Loyola and Navy to face-off in Patriot League championship
Sophomore Frankie Kamely led Loyola University to a 13-8 victory past fourth-seeded Lehigh. Kamely scored a career-high seven goals to advance the top-seeded Greyhounds to the Patriot League championship game.
Junior Cami Whiteford scored twice, while Maddy Blakeman, Emily Clark, Sabrina Tabasso and Hannah Powers all contributed one goal. Molly Wolf recorded nine saves.
The Greyhounds face in-state rival Navy for the Patriot League Championship Sunday at noon.
The Mids, led by sophomore Jenna Collins, defeated Boston University 10-7 Friday night. Collins recorded a game-high four goals in the contest.
Senior Katie Gallagher chipped in with her 14th career hat trick.
"A lot is asked of those two (Katie Gallagher and Jenna Collins) and they took full advantage of their opportunities that were given to them by their teammates," head coach Cindy Timchal said in a statement. "Their scoring output is a reflection of the work they put in every day."
Sunday's contest is Navy's seventh championship appearance in nine years.
The Patriot League championship game is at Ridley Athletic Complex on the campus of Loyola University Sunday at 12 p.m.
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