The Terps look for a bounce-back win at home.
No. 8 Maryland women’s lacrosse (6-2) was dealt its first loss since Feb. 15 Saturday, snapping its six-game winning streak. The Terps quickly fell behind — trailing 8-1 after the first quarter — and never mustered up a comeback, falling 16-4 on the road to No. 3 Northwestern. It was Maryland’s largest loss since 2021, when it fell to Northwestern 25-12.
The Terps’ offense failed to capitalize on their 20 shots, totaling a season-low four goals. Sloppiness haunted Maryland in the end, as 21 turnovers proved too much to overcome. Despite allowing 16 goals, JJ Suriano amounted 10 saves.
With the Terps at the halfway point of their season, they will need to regain momentum heading into the postseason. That begins Thursday as Maryland hosts Oregon at 5 p.m. on Big Ten Plus.
Oregon Ducks (5-5, 0-3 Big Ten)
2024 record: 8-7, 2-5 Pac-12
Head coach Jessica Drummond has flipped a previously-struggling Oregon program around. Drummond returned to her alma mater last year and guided the Ducks to their first winning season since 2017.
After finishing with a 5-12 record prior to Drummond’s arrival, Oregon showed some signs of a life last season. It started the year 4-0 with dominant wins over lower-level opponents. Then, the Ducks’ schedule picked up and their record began to plummet. Oregon went 0-4 against ranked opponents, falling by an average margin of 10.3 goals.
The Ducks’ struggles in conference play have continued, as they embark on their first season in Big Ten play. Oregon once again cruised through its first four games of the season. However, former Pac-12 foes — Cal and UC Davis — once again tripped the Ducks up. Oregon also fell to Ohio State, Rutgers and Penn State to start conference play.
Players to know
Bri Carrasquillo, graduate student attacker, No. 11 — Carrasquillo has exploded in her first season with the Ducks. The Yale transfer recorded just nine goals and an assist last year in her nine appearances, but has been lethal in front of the net this season, notching a team-high 27 goals in her 36 shots on frame. Carrasquillo contributed five goals in the Ducks’ last contest.
Anna Simmons, junior midfielder, No. 30 — The 5-foot-2 Washington native has been a key piece since her freshman campaign. Simmons — who has appeared in every game during her three years — is having another stellar all-around season. She leads the team in goals (27), ground balls (22) and caused turnovers (16), while contributing 30 draw controls.
Rachel Pallo, junior midfielder, No. 1 — Pallo is the engine behind Oregon’s elite faceoff unit, taking on a more involved role this season. After finishing seventh in the Pac-12 with 64 draw controls, she has already shattered that total. Pallo sits 22nd in the nation with 7.1 draw controls per game. She has also scooped up 18 ground balls and forced 11 turnovers.
Strength
Draw controls. While the Ducks don’t possess the most efficient offensive group, the faceoff unit certainly makes up for it. Behind Pallo’s dominance in the circle, Oregon boasts the 18th-highest draw control percentage in the nation (57.8). These extra possessions have helped fuel Oregon’s offense.
Weakness
Goaltending. The Ducks’ net play has been shaky throughout the season. Starter Paige Crowther wasn’t called upon much during nonconference play. However, as Oregon’s level of competition has increased, Crowther has conceded more goals. She has tallied just 37 saves and allowed 66 goals, amounting for one of the worst save percentages in the country.
Three things to watch
1. First meeting. Despite overlapping for nearly two decades, Maryland and Oregon’s women’s lacrosse programs have never faced each other. Thursday’s contest will be the first of many meetings between these new Big Ten foes.
2. Cleaner play. The Terps’ two biggest problems this season have been turnovers and foul trouble. Against Northwestern, those glaring issues were exposed, as Maryland committed 21 turnovers and 23 fouls. The Wildcats converted on only four of their 24 free position opportunities, though.
3. Bounce-back performance. The Terps played their worst 60 minutes of the season Saturday, looking out-of-sorts in all facets. If Maryland hopes for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, it will need to get back on track. Oregon should provide that opportunity.