The Terps are vying for Big Ten seeding.
After two months of regular season action, postseason play is right around the corner for No. 7 Maryland women’s lacrosse. But first, the Terps play host to in-state foe No. 8 Johns Hopkins on Saturday — a rivalry game that could decide second place in the Big Ten.
Maryland has gained steam since its four-game road trip, securing victories in its last two contests. Along with the Terps’ newfound momentum, JJ Suriano is fresh off her best game in conference play. Suriano posted 11 saves and conceded seven goals for a 61.1% save percentage in Maryland’s 8-7 victory over Rutgers Wednesday.
Despite generating 22 shots on frame and converting three of their seven free position looks, the Terps’ offense mustered up just eight goals. Scarlet Knights goalie Lexie Coldiron was phenomenal in net, holding Maryland to a 28.6% shot efficiency.
The Terps have a chance to rebound on Saturday at home, looking to extend their 20-game winning streak against Johns Hopkins. The contest starts at noon and can be seen on Big Ten Plus.
No. 8 Johns Hopkins Blue Jays (11-4, 5-2 Big Ten)
Johns Hopkins has been one of the most consistent programs in women’s lacrosse with 21 NCAA Tournament appearances, and head coach Tim McCormack’s tenure has been nothing different. McCormack has guided the Blue Jays to tournament berths in his first two seasons, crashing out in the second round both times.
While it has failed to win a national championship, Johns Hopkins’ steady climb toward the top has cemented itself as a program to watch. And this year has been the Blue Jays’ best campaign in nearly a decade.
After dropping its season opener to then-No. 5 Florida, Johns Hopkins looked like a team capable of finally getting over the hump throughout most of the year. The Blue Jays rose to No. 4 in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association poll and had won eight straight contests. However, Johns Hopkins enters Saturday’s game in a bit of a lull, having fallen to then-No. 3 Northwestern and then-No. 17 Michigan in blowout fashion.
Players to watch
Ashley Mackin, senior attacker, No. 27 — Mackin broke onto the national scene last season following her breakout junior campaign, earning an Inside Lacrosse All-America honorable mention. The 2025 Tewaaraton Award Nominee has surpassed her prior numbers, ranking fourth in the country with 4.58 goals per game, and contributing 18 assists. Mackin is the engine behind the Blue Jays’ electric offense.
Laurel Gonzalez, freshman midfielder, No. 11 — A top-100-ranked recruit in the class of 2024, according to Inside Lacrosse, Gonzalez has been better than advertised. The California native — who wasn’t even recruited for her faceoff skills — is on pace to shatter the program’s single-season draw control record. Gonzalez sits 16th in the nation with 8.2 draw controls per game.
Reagan O’Brien, junior defender, No. 9 — O’Brien’s quick stickwork has allowed her to thrive on defense and become one of the best lockdown defenders. She makes all the key hustle plays to help fuel Johns Hopkins’ transition play. O’Brien has forced 65 turnovers — the top mark in the country — and corralled a team-high 37 ground balls.
Strength
50/50 battles. While the Blue Jays don’t have a flashy offensive or defensive unit, they do all the little things right to create extra possessions. Johns Hopkins has caused the third-most turnovers per game (12.7) and gathered the ninth-highest ground balls per game (19.1).
Weakness
Shot blocking. The Blue Jays’ goaltending has been shaky all season long. Despite only conceding 17.7 shots on frame, Johns Hopkins allows 10.9 goals per game. Starting goalie Morgan Giardina has only managed a 37.8% save percentage — one of the lowest totals in the country. The Blue Jays record just 6.7 saves per game.
Three things to watch
1. Offense has hit a slump. Maryland’s offense looked unstoppable in its two games on the West Coast, scoring 34 combined goals. Since then, the Terps’ attacking unit has crumbled — partially due to better opposing goaltending. Maryland hasn’t produced double-digit goals in its last three games but will have a good chance to do that against Johns Hopkins’ struggling netminders.
2. Draw control battle. The Terps have only been bested in the faceoff circle once this season, against Arizona State. While Maryland’s offensive and defensive performances have fluctuated, the draw control unit has brought stability. The Terps’ committee approach will be tested against one of the best freshmen in the circle.
3. What’s at stake? Maryland’s final regular season game will have massive Big Ten seeding implications. After Northwestern’s 15-6 victory on Thursday, the Terps can only clinch a share of the Big Ten regular season title.
If Maryland beats Johns Hopkins and Northwestern loses to Ohio State, the Terps will earn a share of the Big Ten title. Otherwise, they will finish as the second seed. However, if Maryland falls to Johns Hopkins, it will drop to third place, behind Johns Hopkins.