In thrilling fashion, the Terrapin women’s lacrosse team erased a six-goal deficit and powered back to defeat Northwestern in today’s National Championship game.
The Terps defeated the Wildcats 13-11 with three goals by Sarah Mollison, Katie Schwarzmann and Karri Ellen Johnson and two from Caitlyn McFadden and Brandi Jones.
The title is the Terps’ 10th national championship in program history and first since 2001. Northwestern has won the previous five national championships.
Despite allowing Northwestern (20-2) to run out to a six-goal lead to start the game, the Terps (22-1, 4-1 ACC) hung tough. Goalie Brittany Dipper helped lead the defense to shut the Wildcats out for 27:33. During that time, the Terps came back to take its first lead of the game off of McFadden’s goal to open the second half.
In contrast to the high-powered scoring feature in the first half, Northwestern slowed down the tempo in the second half. After Northwestern’s Alexandra Frank and Shannon Smith scored two goals to end the drought and tie the game at 10, the Terps’ offense came back alive. Jones and McFadden scored successive goals to seal the title.
Much more to come after the press conference.
Chris Eckard is the Diamondback’s Terrapin women’s lacrosse beat reporter. He can be reached at ceckard@umdbk.com