The No. 16 Virginia women’s lacrosse team entered the field at College Park exuding confidence. The Cavaliers were riding a four-game win streak, including two upsets against top-10 teams. But Virginia’s newfound tenacity was not enough to hold off the nation’s second best team as the Cavaliers fell to No. 2 Maryland Sunday 13-8.
Maryland (15-1, 5-1) jumped out to a 4-2 lead halfway through the first half. The Cavaliers (8-7, 2-4 ACC) responded by scoring four of the next six goals, including the equalizer by sophomore attacker Kelly Boyd with six seconds remaining in the half.
The Cavaliers traded scores with the Terrapins to start the second half. A goal by junior attacker Casey Bocklet with 16:33 left to play knotted the game at eight. Maryland then broke the tie five minutes later and never looked back. The Terrapins scored the final five goals to secure their 15th win of the season.
Virginia was outshot 36-26. Maryland won 15 of the 23 draws, including 7-of-10 in the second half.
The Terrapins were led by junior attacker Brooke Griffin, who netted five goals and added an assist. Sophomore midfielder Taylor Cummings scored five points on three goals and two assists.
Junior attacker Courtney Swan led all Virginia scorers with two goals and three assists. Senior goalkeeper Liz Colgan made 10 saves.
The Cavaliers will next face Virginia Tech in Blacksburg Wednesday to close out the regular season. The opening draw is scheduled for 6 p.m.