No. 1 Maryland women’s lacrosse falls to No. 4 Northwestern, 11-10, in first loss of the season

All season long, No. 1 Maryland women’s lacrosse’s players and coaches alike have emphasized that its offensive production can come from anywhere. But on Thursday night, the absence of primary scoring options proved to be its greatest fault.

With their top three scorers being held to just five goals combined, the Terps collapsed offensively in the second half. Maryland allowed eight goals in the final 30 minutes, solidifying an 11-10 defeat against No. 4 Northwestern, its first loss of the season.

Thursday’s contest marks Maryland’s sixth straight loss to the Wildcats — it happened largely due to glaring shot disparities late. Northwestern outshot the Terps, 20-10, in the second half, as Maryland’s attackers were effectively neutralized by backline pressure. After each squad banged the post on its opening possession, Kayla Gilmore broke the ice with a beautiful dodge and finish three minutes into the contest.

The sophomore largely returned to form today, scoring a hat trick while helping her team corral 13 draw controls. Gilmore led the Terps in scoring Thursday, netting her first collegiate hat trick in the 20th minute when she netted Maryland’s fourth goal of the game. Her shot selection was on point the entire evening, scoring on 75% of her total attempts.