COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The opening weekend of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) season was an exciting one, and Maryland's ProTerps were right in the spotlight.
From standout performances to pro debuts and first games with new teams, Maryland alums made their mark during Hometown Weekend in Albany, NY, hosted by the New York Atlas.
The action continues June 6–7 as the league shifts to Charlotte for the next slate of games.
Check out the full breakdown of how the ProTerps performed in Week One.
New York Atlas
The Atlas split their homecoming weekend in Albany, opening the 2025 season with a 10-8 win over the Carolina Chaos before falling 16-12 to league rival Boston Cannons. 2023 Maryland graduate Brett Makar started both games at close defense, turning in a standout debut performance against the Chaos. The former Terp led the team with two caused turnovers, picked up five ground balls, and even found the back of the net with an electric goal in transition.
Boston Cannons
The Boston Cannons opened their 2025 campaign with a 16-12 victory over the Atlas on Saturday night. 2018 Maryland graduate Bryce Young got the start at close defense and contributed a ground ball in the win.
Denver outlaws
Despite a late push, the Denver Outlaws dropped their season opener to the California Redwoods, 15-12. 2022 Maryland graduate Logan Wisnauskas led the way on offense with three goals and an assist. On the defensive end, 2013 grad and associate head coach Jesse Bernhardt earned the start, tallying a caused turnover and a ground ball.
Philadelphia Waterdogs
The Philadelphia Waterdogs did not play in the opening weekend slate.
Maryland Whipsnakes
Despite a tough 8-7 loss to the Utah Archers, the Terp-led defense stood out. 2024 graduate Ajax Zappitello got the start on close defense, leading the team with three caused turnovers and a ground ball. Fellow Maryland grads Roman Puglise and Jake Bernhardt, both short-stick defensive midfielders, contributed to the defensive effort with two ground balls apiece.
The Whipsnakes had six different Terp alumni in their starting lineup.
