The top-ranked Maryland Terrapins men’s lacrosse team continued their undefeated season with a resounding 14-3 victory over Delaware on Saturday at SECU Stadium. With the win, the Terps improved to 6-0 for the first time since their historic 2022 national championship season. Now, they set their sights on a high-stakes road matchup against No. 18 Virginia this Saturday at Klockner Stadium.
Defensive Masterclass and Offensive Breakthrough Against Delaware
Maryland entered the contest against Delaware looking to tune up an offense that had shown flashes of brilliance but had struggled with consistency. Against the Blue Hens, the Terps’ attack found its rhythm, executing crisp passing sets and creating open opportunities near the cage. Seven different players found the back of the net, showcasing the team's offensive depth.
Matthew Keegan opened the scoring early, only for Delaware to respond quickly. However, Maryland’s offense took over from there, embarking on a dominant 7-0 run that spanned nearly 25 minutes of game time. By the end of the first half, the Terps held a commanding 9-2 lead, with Keegan and Braden Erksa leading the charge. Keegan and Erksa each recorded hat tricks, marking Keegan’s second of the season and the 17th of his career.
While the offense clicked, Maryland’s defense was the true star of the afternoon. The Terps limited Delaware to just three goals – the fewest they have allowed in a game since 2015. Goalie Logan McNaney, playing in his sixth season, was a brick wall in net, making 16 saves before giving way to backup Brian Ruppel late in the fourth quarter. McNaney’s performance moved him into second place on Maryland’s all-time saves list with 665, trailing only Kevin O’Leary’s program record of 705.
Rivalry Clash with Virginia
With their dominant performance over Delaware in the rearview mirror, Maryland now shifts its focus to an always-intense battle against Virginia. The Terps and Cavaliers share a storied history, with Maryland holding a 51-47 all-time advantage. The two teams split their matchups last season, with Maryland winning 12-6 in the NCAA Semifinals at the Final Four in Philadelphia.
Saturday’s game presents a significant challenge, as Virginia, despite a 3-3 record, remains a formidable opponent. The Cavaliers have a potent offense and will be looking to rebound after a tough start to the season. Maryland’s ability to contain Virginia’s attack will be key, and McNaney’s presence in goal provides a major edge for the Terps.
Beyond individual matchups, Saturday’s game carries additional historical significance. With a win, Maryland will become just the third NCAA Division I program to reach 900 all-time victories, joining Johns Hopkins and Syracuse. It would also mark the fourth time under John Tillman that Maryland has started a season 7-0.
What to Watch For Against Virginia
Defensive Consistency: Maryland’s defense has held every opponent but one – then-No. 1 Notre Dame, which scored 10 – to single-digit goals this season, including top-ranked teams like Syracuse and Princeton. If they can replicate that success against Virginia’s attack, they will be in prime position to win.
Midfield Production: Players like Whittier, Erksa, and Stobaugh have stepped up in recent weeks. Their ability to generate scoring opportunities will be crucial.
Faceoff Battle: Maryland struggled at the faceoff X against Notre Dame but rebounded against Delaware. Winning faceoffs will be a key factor in controlling possession against a fast-paced Virginia squad.
With Maryland’s offense finding its groove and its defense continuing to dominate, the Terps head into Charlottesville with momentum on their side. A win against Virginia would further solidify their status as the top team in the nation and keep their perfect season intact.
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