No. 7 Maryland women’s lacrosse will start the season against No. 13 Syracuse for the second consecutive season, and it hopes to avenge last year’s defeat.
In 2025, the Terps lost to the Orange, 16-9, in what would end up as the second-largest point deficit they suffered the entire season. Since that point, the two teams have mirrored each other’s successes and failures. Both squads found their way into the NCAA Tournament, losing in the second round to a highly ranked Ivy League opponent by just
one goal.
Coming into this matchup, head coach Cathy Reese has a specific, yet simple plan in mind to keep her players on the right track.
“At the moment, we’re not focusing on Syracuse,” Reese said. “We’re focusing on Maryland.”
The season opener will take place on Friday at 6 p.m. at SECU Stadium. The matchup will stream on ACCNX.
No. 13 Syracuse Orange (0-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference)
2024 record: 10-9, 5-4 ACC
Syracuse was forced to pivot following former head coach Kayla Treanor’s unprecedented departure for Penn State. In her place, the Orange appointed Regy Thorpe to his first collegiate head coaching role. Thorpe previously served as associate head coach for both Syracuse and Florida, helping to guide both teams to deep playoff runs.
Last season, Syracuse came in hot after landing 6th in the IWLCA preseason poll and beating its first three opponents. However, the rest of their season was a mixed bag, as the Orange went 4-5 against ranked opponents. Syracuse’s postseason run was very short, with a 9-8 second-round loss to No. 7-seed Yale after selling a 7-4 lead.
Syracuse’s roster was largely supported by first-year players who will hope to learn from their past struggles.
Players to watch
Emma Muchnick, senior midfielder, No. 5 – Muchnick was the recipient of both Preseason All-American and All-ACC honors coming into this season, and for good reason. The former Terp led the Orange in goals (34) and finished fourth in ground balls (27) in 2025 as their premier two-way talent.
Coco Vandiver, senior defender, No. 16 – Vandiver started 18 games for Syracuse last season, where she captured a team-leading 34 ground balls and 40 caused turnovers. She will likely take on a much larger role following the departure of Emma Ward.
Caroline Trinkaus, sophomore midfielder, No. 24 – The sophomore burst onto the scene last year, finishing second on Syracuse in points (43), goals (32) and assists (11). Trinkaus earned preseason All-American honors alongside Vandiver and Muchnick, and will almost certainly reprise her starting midfield role.
Strength
Aggressiveness. Reese has repeatedly identified Syracuse’s toughness on defense as a large reason for why Maryland ceded the last matchup.
“I feel like we played a little bit hesitant, and knowing that they’re a very physical team, they’re very aggressive, and they are going to pressure out,” Reese said.
Weakness
Goal prevention. The Orange finished third-worst in the ACC in both goals allowed (221) and save percentage (.423) last season. With Ward’s departure, Syracuse will likely be in a difficult position to prevent offensive production.
Three things to watch
1. How much has JJ Suriano grown? The junior came into last season completely untested, but quickly proved to be one of the best keepers in the conference with 367 saves and 9.62 goals allowed average. Suriano was placed on the Big Ten Players to Watch list on Wednesday and looks to build upon her successful 2025 season.
2. What will be Keeley Block’s role? After decimating the Terps on multiple occasions last season as a member of Penn, they are certainly excited to see what Block can do. She scored 43 goals and 23 assists on a loaded Quakers roster in 2025.
“We’re definitely glad that she’s on our side now,” midfielder Kori Edmondson said. “Whenever she makes a good play in practice, we’re always saying ‘we’re glad she’s with us now.’”
Whether or not Block will crack the starting lineup is yet to be seen.
3. Reese’s 20th campaign takes off. Reese has constantly emphasized the importance of adaptability and compromise — they have served as one of her core values while coaching the sport.
“I think the biggest thing for me is every year changes a little bit,” Reese said. “And it’s recognizing that your team changes, and you gotta meet your players where they are.”
