Elite Maryland Lacrosse Stars Shine Bright for Exciting Opening Night!
This is the Maryland Minute, a short story followed by a roundup of Terps-related news.
COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 04: Students display the Maryland flag during the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Xfinity Center on December 4, 2019 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) | Getty Images It hasn’t been the sort of season that No. 10 Maryland men’s lacrosse fans would’ve expected, but after a thrilling 13-12 triple overtime victory against Virginia, two Terps have been celebrated for their impressive showings on the field.
Brian Ruppel & Pete Laake garner @bigten Weekly Honors! Ruppel earned Big Ten Specialist of the Week after a season-high 14 saves, and key stops that set up the game-winner. Laake was named Defensive Player of the Week with 2 caused turnovers and 4 ground balls, leading the… pic.
twitter. com/yEt3TwSHVK — Maryland Men's Lacrosse (@TerpsMLax) March 17, 2026 Goalkeeper Brian Ruppel was named Big Ten Specialist of the Week after making 14 saves in the Terps’ victory, a season-high. His career-high in saves was 15 in 2023 — also against Virginia.
Ruppel made two critical saves in the third overtime, stuffing Virginia and allowing his team to run the other way to secure the victory. Peter Laake was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for a performance that exceeded the stat sheet. Facing down Virginia’s lethal defenders, Laake played perhaps the best game of his college career, forcing two turnovers and scooping four ground balls.