Coming off a nearly two week rest period, Maryland women’s lacrosse has won another short break, securing the No. 3 seed and first-round bye in the NCAA Tournament.
Announced on Selection Sunday on ESPN U, the seeding marks the Terps’ highest national tournament position since 2022. Maryland came into the season ranked seventh in the nation by the IWLCA poll, but has since climbed to the podium of Division 1 lacrosse.
Not knowing their next opponent, the Terps now have the chance to do what they’ve
emphasized all season: focus on themselves. Maryland’s second round bout will feature the winner of Friday’s game between Princeton and Rutgers, two teams Maryland has already defeated this season. The Terps will host the second-round contest, but it is unknown whether it will take place in SECU Stadium or the newly-refurbished Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex.
Coming off a perfect 13-0 start, the Terps were the final undefeated team in the country and briefly held the No. 1 national ranking. Then, Maryland faltered, dropping games to Northwestern and Michigan in succession near the close of the regular season.
Despite another impressive showing in the Big Ten tournament, the Wildcats had Maryland’s number again, as the Terps lost in the conference title match for the second year in a row. With Northwestern claiming the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, the Terps’ only chance at a potential revenge match would come in the national title game.
