The Terps look to snap a two-game road losing streak.
No. 7 Maryland women’s lacrosse (7-3) had all the momentum in its favor and an opportunity to pull off its second comeback win of the season against No. 14 Penn. After trailing by four goals, the Terps were tied with the possession and 1:39 left in the fourth quarter.
However, Maryland committed a costly turnover, and Penn made it pay. A game-winning backhanded shot sealed the Terps’ defeat, 13-12, continuing their mid-season lull. Maryland has now gone 1-2 after its six-game winning streak was snapped.
Despite pulling off victories in their first two road games, the Terps have also dropped their past two contests away from College Park. Maryland will have a chance to bounce back, though, traveling to Arizona State on Thursday.
The game starts at 2 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Arizona State Sun Devils (8-4, 1-0 Big 12)
2024 record: 9-10, 3-4 Big 12
Head coach Taryn VanThof Puls has struggled to produce results throughout her first two seasons in charge. VanThof Puls — who took over a relatively new program with just three winning seasons under its belt, all of which came immediately prior to her arrival — has yet to find success at Arizona State.
After generating six wins in her first season at the helm, last season was a step in the right direction. The Sun Devils finished with a 9-10 record, despite picking up three straight wins to start the season. However, Arizona State failed to perform against top-tier competition, losing to all eight ranked foes it faced.
The Sun Devils have nearly matched its win total from last season over halfway through the 2025 campaign. Once again, Arizona State has feasted on inferior opponents. And while the Sun Devils have yet to notch a signature win, a 16-14 road defeat to No. 19 USC provides them with reason for optimism.
Players to know
Jordyn Behar, junior attacker, No. 12 — After dealing with an injury that abruptly ended her sophomore season, Behar is having a junior campaign to remember. The two-time Big 12 Attacker of the Week mustered just 10 points in her 12 appearances throughout her first two years. Behar now ranks first in the nation with 46 assists while contributing 25 goals and 14 ground balls.
Anna Viglione, sophomore midfielder, No. 1 — The Virginia native has been one of the most dominant faceoff players in the country this season. Fresh off an impactful first year at Arizona State, Viglione has taken full advantage of an increased role in the circle. She has corralled 11.3 draw controls per game, the third-highest mark in the nation.
Katie Vahle, senior goalkeeper, No. 00 — Vahle is having her best season in a Sun Devils uniform. The veteran netminder has brought stability in goal, starting in every game since arriving on campus. And Vahle has been a force to be reckoned with in the cage, holding the 18th-most saves per game (9.9) and 24th-best save percentage in the country (47.4%).
Strength
Scoring offense. Behind Behar’s elite distribution and a team-high 43 goals from attacker Teagan Ng, Arizona State showcases a potent offense. The Sun Devils tally 15 goals per game, the 14th-highest mark in the nation. Their attack is a gauntlet to slow down, eclipsing the 20-goals earlier this season — albeit against weaker opposition.
Weakness
Goal prevention. While Vahle has been a strong goalie, she has been prone to lapses this season. Arizona State has conceded 18.8 goals per game in its four losses, skewing its season average of 13. The Sun Devils haven’t helped their cause, though, surrendering 51 goals between free-position looks and opposing woman-up situations.
Three things to know
- Perfect home record at stake. Maryland could become the first team this season to leave Tempe, Arizona, with a victory. Arizona State currently holds an unbeaten 6-0 record at home. However, the Sun Devils have yet to face a team of Maryland’s caliber, with all of their previous home contests coming against unranked opponents.
- Which draw control unit fares better? Thursday’s clash will feature two of the better faceoff teams in the country. Both teams enter with a top-15 draw control percentage, meaning that one will have to give way. The Terps’ success this season can largely be attributed to its faceoff unit, fueling them to several offensive explosions.
- Net play. Head coach Cathy Reese pulled starting goalie JJ Suriano with Maryland trailing in the team’s last game for just the second time this season, replacing her with freshmen Julia Ward. While it seems unlikely that the rookie will earn her first career start, expect Suriano to be on a short leash if this game gets away from Maryland.