SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Sophomore midfielder Taylor Hensh tallied five points as the No.1 Maryland women's lacrosse team (5-0) defeated No. 3 Syracuse (6-2) 14-9 Saturday afternoon in the Carrier Dome.

“I'm really proud of our team's effort, especially in the second half,” head coach Cathy Reese said. “I think we played well defensively, and in the second half we were better offensively. It was a good win for the team and the program.”

Hensh's five points came on four goals and one assist. Senior midfielder Taylor Cummings recorded a hat trick while freshman midfielder Jen Giles scored twice. Freshman midfielder Caroline Steele, senior attacker Caroline Wannen, junior midfielder Zoe Stukenberg, senior midfielder Bryn Boucher and sophomore attacker Megan Whittle each scored once.

Cummings' presence was felt across the field as she also picked up four ground balls and two draw controls while causing three turnovers.

In her fourth career start, freshman goalie Megan Taylor made seven saves, including four on free position shots. She also picked up four ground balls.

The Terps took a 3-0 lead six minutes into the game off goals from Hensh, Whittle and Boucher. After Syracuse notched two goals to pull within one, Wannen tallied a goal on a free position to give Maryland a 4-2 lead.

The Orange scored three straight goals to take a 5-4 lead before Hensh tied the game 5-5 with 32 seconds left in the half. Giles cut through three defenders to give Maryland a 6-5 halftime lead with 14 seconds left.

Syracuse opened the second half with two consecutive goals, retaking the lead, 7-6. Maryland recorded three straight free-position goals from Hensh, Steele and Giles to take a 9-7 lead at 15:45.

The Orange pulled within one but the Terps tallied five straight goals. Stukenberg started the run before Cummings scored her first goal on a free position at 6:38. After Hensh scored her fourth at 5:53, Cummings scored two straight goals to push the Maryland lead to 14-8 at 4:07. Syracuse added a goal at 2:38, but the Terps held on for the 14-9 win.

Defensively, junior Alex McKay caused three turnovers and earned three ground balls. Junior defender Nadine Hadnagy also had three ground balls, and senior defender Alice Mercer and Wannen each picked up two draw controls.

The Terps continue their road stretch when they travel to No. 2 Florida next Saturday, March 19 at noon.

– Maryland –