MM 5.14: Three Maryland men’s lacrosse players earn All-American honors

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

Three Maryland men’s lacrosse players earned All-American honors this past week. Defenseman Ajax Zappitello was named a first-team All-American by USA Lacrosse Magazine and Inside Lacrosse, faceoff specialist Luke Wierman was named an All-American honorable mention by both publications and attacker/midfielder Eric Spanos also earned All-American honorable mention honors from USA Lacrosse Magazine.

Zappitello is now a three-time All-American, but this is his first time earning first-team honors. Wearing the storied No. 1 jersey, Zappitello has locked down star attackers this year, recording a team-high 23 caused turnovers, 29 ground balls and two goals in 14 games. He was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the Premier Lacrosse League Draft last week.

Wierman is also a three-time All-American, serving as the Terps’ primary faceoff specialist the last four years. He has won the most career faceoffs in program history (829) and is four ground balls away from setting the all-time program record (451) as well. This season, Wierman ranks third nation in faceoff win percentage (61.3%) and sixth in ground balls per game (8.4).

After becoming one of Maryland’s primary attackers at the end of last season, Spanos has started in all 14 games this season, recording 23 goals and 11 assists en route to his first All-American nod.

The Terps return to action Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals against Duke.

In other news

Maryland baseball’s Brayden Martin’s diving catch this weekend against Boston College cracked SportsCenter’s Top 10.

Maryland women’s basketball finished ninth in the country in attendance last season.