CHESTER, Pa. – The top-seeded Maryland women's lacrosse team fell short to No. 3 North Carolina, 13-7, in the NCAA Championship game Sunday afternoon.
“Carolina came out and fought hard, congrats to them,” head coach Cathy Reese said. “We told the team, this moment stings, but these 60 minutes don't define this group. We had a really special year and a really special group of seniors, and while we didn't send them off the way we wanted, we appreciate everything they've done for this team.”
Sophomore attacker Megan Whittle led the Terps with three goals while freshman attacker Caroline Steele posted two. Senior midfielder Taylor Cummings and junior midfielder Zoe Stukenberg each scored once.
After a Stukenberg free-position goal at 28:09, the Tar Heels used a 6-0 run over nearly 20 minutes to run ahead. Whittle stopped the Terps' scoreless streak at 8:50 and added another at 2:13. Steele brought the crowd to its feet with a behind-the-back goal with just 13 seconds left in the half. North Carolina took a 6-4 advantage into halftime.
The Tar Heels started the scoring in the second half before Whittle and Cummings notched goals to pull the Terps within one at 23:24. North Carolina responded with five straight to pull ahead, 12-6 at 10:23.
The Tar Heels played deliberately on offense, preventing the Terps from having offensive opportunities. Steele scored at 9:59 and UNC added a goal at 7:11, but the Tar Heels were able to hold off any Terp attack and took the win, 13-7.
North Carolina's goalie Megan Ward stood on her head, making 14 saves.
The 2016 senior class, which featured four-year starters and Tewaaraton finalists Cummings and defender Alice Mercer, finished their careers with an 88-4 overall record and a 44-0 record in College Park.
Maryland finished the season with a 22-1 record, capturing the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles in 2016.
The Terps played in their nation's best 20th national championship game. Maryland competed in its fourth straight NCAA Championship game.
Cummings, Whittle and Mercer were named to the all-tournament team.
– Maryland –
