The Terps can lock up a top-two seed in the Big Ten Tournament with a win.
After downing Johns Hopkins, No. 4 Maryland women’s lacrosse has a chance to clinch a top-two seed in the Big Ten Tournament when it hosts No. 24 Penn State on Saturday.
Saturday’s game, which has both conference and national implications, will start at noon and stream on Big Ten Plus.
Penn State Nittany Lions (7-6, 2-2 Big Ten)
2023 record: 11-7, 3-3 Big Ten
Head coach Missy Doherty’s 14th season with Penn State has been filled with highs and lows.
The Nittany Lions have six losses on the year, several to unranked teams. But they are also became one of three teams to have defeated Northwestern over the last two years.
Players to watch
Kristin O’Neill, senior midfielder, No. 19 — O’Neill has garnered several accolades in her four-year career. She was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2021 and is a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection. She leads Penn State this season with 37 goals and had the game-winning score against Northwestern.
Kayla Abernathy, senior midfielder, No. 4 — Abernathy was named to the All-Big Ten third team last year after winning a team-high 78 draw controls. She leads the squad again this year with 35 controls.
Rachel Spliker, graduate defender, No. 18 — Spliker leads Penn State in caused turnovers (17) while also corralling 10 ground balls.
Strength
Taking care of the ball. The Nittany Lions are one of the best teams at the nation in maintaining possession, accounting for 11 turnovers per game.
Weakness
Shooting percentage. While it generates more looks than most, Penn State has only converted on 39% of its shots this year, which ranks outside the top 90 in the country.
Three things to watch
1. Can the Terps keep going offensively? The Terps generated 44 shots against Johns Hopkins after two straight games with under 30 shots. If Maryland can continue to limit turnovers, its attack will benefit greatly.
2. Sterling looks to stay hot. Emily Sterling has made at least 10 saves in three of Maryland’s past four games and was especially good against Johns Hopkins, stopping 13 shots.
3. Conference implications. A win on Saturday would lock up at least the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament for Maryland. If Northwestern loses, the Terps would have a chance to steal the No. 1 seed and automatically advance to the semifinals.