MM 4.19: Four Maryland lacrosse players nominated for Tewaaraton Award

This is the Maryland Minute, a short story followed by a roundup of Terps-related news.

By Duaa Emira

Two players each from the Maryland men’s and women’s lacrosse team were nominated for Tewaaraton Award, it was announced Thursday. The award is given annually to the top player in the nation.

On the men’s side, faceoff specialist Luke Wierman and defenseman Ajax Zappitello earned nominations while Terps women’s lacrosse defender Meghan Ball and goalkeeper Emily Sterling were selected.

Zappitello, twice named an All-American, is having another stellar season, having forced at least one turnover in all but one of the Terps’ games. He also has 23 ground balls and a goal this season. Wierman, who earned his second straight Tewaaraton nomination, has won 144 of 244 faceoffs this season to go along with 82 ground balls. He scored his first goal of the season last week against Rutgers.

Ball, the reigning Big Ten Defender of the Year, has thrived in her first season after transferring from Rutgers. She leads the Terps with 30 caused turnovers and has scooped at least three ground balls in five games. Sterling, last year’s Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year and now a two-time Tewaaraton nominee, has the third-best save percentage in the country (.527).

In other news

Maryland men’s basketball earned a commitment from Georgia Tech transfer forward Tafara Gapare.

Ben Messinger previewed Maryland baseball’s series against Nebraska.

Maryland graduate gymnast Emma Silberman became the first Terp since 2001 to compete in the national championships, placing 23rd in vault with a score of 9.7625.