Dec. 15, 2003

BALTIMORE, Md. - The Maryland men's and women's lacrosse teams are ranked third in the country, according to the Lacrosse Magazine's preseason rankings released today.

The Terrapin men finished the 2003 campaign with a 12-4 record and advanced to the national semifinals. Head coach Dave Cottle returns All-America defensemen Chris Passavia and Lee Zink to the 2004 squad. Johns Hopkins tops the preseason poll, followed by 2003 national champ Virginia, and then Maryland.

Cindy Timchal's squad also advanced to the national semifinals in 2003 while compiling an 18-4 overall record. Two-time All-American Kelly Coppedge headlines the 2004 squad after scoring 73 goals and 22 assists a season ago. Defending NCAA champion Princeton is ranked first, followed by ACC squads Virginia, Maryland and Duke to round out the top four.

The Maryland men begin their season Feb. 28, against Georgetown in Washington, D.C. The Terrapin women open their season at home against Richmond on Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.