In the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region, where the rolling hills and scenic waterways of Maryland meet the passion and dedication of its athletes, a beloved sport reigns supreme: lacrosse. For decades, the Old Line State has been synonymous with lacrosse excellence, producing some of the most talented players, coaches, and teams to ever take the field. With a rich history, a fierce competitive spirit, and a loyal fan base, Maryland lacrosse has become an integral part of the state’s identity. From the collegiate powerhouse Johns Hopkins University to the high school teams that dot the state’s map, Maryland’s lacrosse tradition is one of dominance, driven by a winning combination of athleticism, strategy, and tradition. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating story behind Maryland’s lacrosse success, highlighting the key factors that have propelled the state to the top of the lacrosse hierarchy and cemented its position as a force to be reckoned with.
The Lacrosse Powerhouse
Men’s Lacrosse Reigns Supreme
The University of Maryland men’s lacrosse team has been on a tear this season, claiming the Big Ten title and dominating Johns Hopkins to close out an undefeated regular season (12-0). The team will cruise into the conference tournament as the No. 1 seed on May 5 at Maryland Stadium.
Elite performances on both sides of the ball have helped propel the team, with three players—attackman Logan Wisnauskas, defender Brett Makar, and faceoff specialist Luke Wierman—earning nominations for the Tewaaraton Award, given annually to the sport’s top male and female college player.
The trio also took home the Big Ten’s offensive, defensive, and specialist player of the year awards, while Head Coach John Tillman was unanimously voted conference coach of the year.
- Logan Wisnauskas (attackman) – Tewaaraton Award nomination and Big Ten offensive player of the year
- Brett Makar (defender) – Tewaaraton Award nomination and Big Ten defensive player of the year
- Luke Wierman (faceoff specialist) – Tewaaraton Award nomination and Big Ten specialist player of the year
Women’s Lacrosse on the Rise
The University of Maryland women’s lacrosse team has also been making waves this season, securing a share of the Big Ten title with a win over Northwestern and boasting three Tewaaraton Award nominees.
Players like Abby Bosco, Aurora Cordingley, and Emily Sterling have been instrumental in the team’s success, earning recognition for their outstanding performances.
- Abby Bosco (defender) – Tewaaraton Award nomination
- Aurora Cordingley (attacker) – Tewaaraton Award nomination
- Emily Sterling (goaltender) – Tewaaraton Award nomination
A Season of Excellence in Other Sports
The Dirty Terps: Maryland Baseball
The University of Maryland baseball team has been on a hot streak this season, reaching the 30-win mark in just 37 games, the earliest in program history.
The team holds the Big Ten’s top spots for home runs, pitcher wins, and strikeouts, solidifying its position as a top contender in the conference.
- Chris “Bubba” Alleyne (hitter) – 13 home runs
- Ryan Ramsey and Jason Savacool (pitchers) – 7 wins each
- Jason Savacool (pitcher) – 85 strikeouts
The Dirty Terps: Maryland Baseball (Continued)
The team has the second-most wins in all of college baseball as it heads into a weekend series against Northwestern at Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium with a 33-8 record.
With its best-ever record to date, the baseball team is looking strong and poised to make a deep run in the conference tournament.
“This team has been a joy to watch,” said Head Coach Rob Vaughn. “They’ve worked incredibly hard and deserve every bit of success they’ve achieved.”
Tennis with a Record-Breaking Season
The University of Maryland tennis team has been on a roll this season, notching their 17th victory of the regular season, matching the program record set in 1988.
Junior Selma Cadar has been a standout performer, helping to clinch the doubles point for Maryland with partner Mary Brumfield in their 4-1 win over Penn State.
This win led UMD to a No. 7 seed in the Big Ten tournament, where they swept No. 10 Indiana, 4-0, to advance to the next round against No. 2 Michigan.
“We’re proud of our team’s accomplishments this season,” said Head Coach Daryl Greenidge. “We’re looking forward to the next round and seeing how far we can go.”
Softball with Unprecedented Success
The University of Maryland softball team has been making waves this season, edging Minnesota, 4-3, to claim last weekend’s three-game series.
This win brought the team to a 26-19 overall record and a 12-5 mark in the Big Ten, their most conference victories since 2015.
The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they’re looking strong as they head into the conference tournament.
Tennis and Softball Excel
Tennis Terps on the Rise
The University of Maryland’s tennis team has been making waves this season, with a record-breaking 17 regular-season wins. Junior Selma Cadar’s performance was key in their 4-1 win over Penn State, where she clinched the doubles point for Maryland with partner Mary Brumfield.
This achievement marked a milestone for the team, matching the program record set in 1988. The win also secured a No. 7 seed in the Big Ten tournament in Iowa City, where the team swept No. 10 Indiana yesterday, 4-0, to advance to today’s next round against No. 2 Michigan.
Cadar’s individual performance has been impressive, earning her Big Ten Co-Athlete of the Week on Tuesday. Her contributions to the team’s success have been instrumental in their 17-win regular season.
- 17 regular-season wins, matching the program record set in 1988
- Junior Selma Cadar’s performance was key in their 4-1 win over Penn State
- Big Ten Co-Athlete of the Week award for Cadar
The Path to Victory
The team’s path to victory has been paved with hard work and dedication. Their schedule has been demanding, with a series of tough matches against top-ranked opponents.
However, the team’s perseverance and determination have paid off, with a string of impressive victories that have propelled them to the top of the Big Ten standings.
- Advancing to the next round of the Big Ten tournament
- Facing No. 2 Michigan in the next round
Softball’s Unexpected Success
A Strong Conference Performance
The University of Maryland’s softball team has been a surprise package this season, with a strong conference performance that has seen them claim last weekend’s three-game series against Minnesota.
This achievement brings their overall record to 26-19 and their mark in the Big Ten to 12-5. These numbers are the most wins since 2015 and their most conference victories since then.
The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Their performance has been impressive, with a string of victories that have propelled them to the top of the Big Ten standings.
- 26-19 overall record
- 12-5 mark in the Big Ten
- Most wins since 2015 and most conference victories since then
The Future of Maryland Softball
The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and dedication. They will look to continue their winning streak in the future, with a number of challenging matches on the horizon.
However, the team’s confidence and momentum will be key in their bid for continued success. With a strong team dynamic and a solid game plan, they are well-equipped to take on the best teams in the Big Ten.
- Continued success in the Big Ten
- Challenging matches on the horizon
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Maryland lacrosse, it’s clear that the state’s teams have dominated the field for decades, producing a legacy of success that continues to inspire and captivate audiences nationwide. The article highlighted the storied history of the University of Maryland’s men’s and women’s lacrosse programs, which have consistently ranked among the nation’s best. We also touched on the state’s thriving youth lacrosse scene, where talented young players are developing the skills and passion needed to carry on the tradition of excellence.
The significance of Maryland lacrosse extends far beyond its on-field success, however. It represents a cultural phenomenon that has woven itself into the fabric of the state’s identity. The sport has become an integral part of Maryland’s heritage, with lacrosse enthusiasts and families alike proudly cheering on their teams and passing down their love of the game to future generations. As we look to the future, it’s clear that Maryland lacrosse will continue to be a force to be reckoned with, inspiring new generations of players, coaches, and fans to strive for greatness.
As Maryland lacrosse continues to thrive, it’s a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and create a sense of community and pride. As the game continues to evolve and grow, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the Maryland lacrosse family. And as the Terps take to the field once again, one thing is certain: the passion, determination, and unmatched spirit of Maryland lacrosse will continue to leave an indelible mark on the sport, and on the hearts of fans everywhere. The Terrapin legacy lives on, and it’s a tradition that will never be forgotten.
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