COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Sophomore Zoe Stukenberg scored four times as the No. 1 Maryland women's lacrosse team (9-0) defeated No. 15 James Madison, 14-10, Saturday afternoon at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex.
“Give credit to James Madison, they're a team that doesn't quit and never gives up,” said head coach Cathy Reese. “I thought we did a great job in the first half. We went out and did what we needed to do, and I was really proud of the team at halftime. I think we let up a bit in intensity and execution in the second half, and that's something we'll need to work on.”
Megan Whittle tallied her fifth hat trick of the season, and Taylor Cummings, Kelly McPartland and Brooke Griffin each scored twice. Erin Collins also added a goal.
The Dukes were able to score first on a free-position attempt at 26:52, but Cummings tied the game at 25:41. Cummings was able to score again less than a minute later as she cut across the crease. Megan Douty found an open Whittle as the freshman wrapped around the crease at 18:52, and the Terps took a 3-1 lead.
James Madison added a goal just 30 seconds later, but the Terps were able to close the half on a 5-0 run. Stukenberg and McPartland each scored twice and Griffin added a goal as Maryland took an 8-2 lead into halftime.
McPartland scored 10 seconds into the second off an assist from Cummings. Whittle tallied another goal on a sharp shot at 28:09 as Maryland took a 10-2 lead. After another Dukes free-position goal, Collings, Stukenberg and Whittle rattled off goals, and the Terps led by 10.
James Madison was able to recover the momentum, and went on a five-goal scoring streak. Griffin managed to stop the scoring onslaught on an 8-meter goal at 8:51. The Dukes added two more goals as they attempted to comeback, but the Terps held on and took a 14-10 victory to remain unbeaten on the season.
Alice Mercer and Douty led the Terrapin defense as Mercer caused four turnovers and Douty picked up three ground balls. Cummings finished the game with 11 draw controls, which tied a season high.
The Terps open Big Ten Conference play next Thursday at No. 6 Northwestern (4-2). The Maryland-Wildcats game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
-Maryland-
