NCAA Tournament quarterfinal preview: No. 3-seed Maryland women’s lacrosse vs No. 6-seed Navy

ANN ARBOR, MI - APRIL 24: Lauren Lapointe #8 of the Maryland Terrapins runs with the ball against the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays in the second quarter of a Big Ten Women's Lacrosse Semifinals game on April 24, 2026 at U-M Lacrosse Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Paul Barnick/Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images). No.

3-seed Maryland women’s lacrosse looked nearly untouchable in the first quarter of its second round bout against Rutgers. The Terps returned to their high-volume scoring ways in the first half Sunday, devastating the Scarlet Knights’ backline to cruise to a 11-8 win in the Shell. But after the victory, knowing the journey was not yet over, Maryland goalkeeper JJ Suriano was far from satisfied.

“We always talk about [improving] communication,” Suriano said after the game. “Every now and then we’ll have a lapse, and it’s bound to happen. ” The Terps look to improve their communication and connectedness as they head into one of their biggest challenges yet, taking on nearly-undefeated Navy in a contentious quarterfinal matchup.

Maryland will look to down the Midshipmen and earn its first semifinal bid in four years Thursday at 5 p. m. The game will be played in SECU Stadium and air on ESPNU.