“We want Duke.”

That is the sentiment the Terrapin women’s lacrosse team shared since losing to the Blue Devils in the final seconds earlier this season.

The Terps had to wait until the NCAA tournament, but their wish was granted. They will have an opportunity to extract revenge on the biggest stage in women’s lacrosse when they play the Blue Devils Saturday, with the winner moving on to the final four at Towson.

“We are excited because the first time we played Duke, it was one of the first games of the season and we had come a long way since then, all over the field,” senior attacker Lauren Cohen said. “So when we heard Duke had beaten Georgetown – it’s revenge, and we wanted to see them again.”

In the March 1 meeting, the Terps squandered a two-goal lead and were held scoreless over the final 12:23 of the game. The Blue Devils scored the game-winner with three seconds left to stun the Terps.

The Terps know they have to improve their discipline and shot selection in the rematch.

“We had a lot of regrets after that game,” senior midfielder Kelly Kasper said. “It’s time to take all of those regrets and put them all out there on the field this time.”

The Terps’ wish for a second game with Duke comes attached with a stigma. Since 1997, each time the teams have met twice in one season, one team has won both games.

But the Terps will have the benefit of two new advantages: coach Cathy Reese and homefield advantage. Reese did not make the trip to Durham, N.C., for the first game due to her pregnancy.

For the Terps, home has been a perfect refuge. The Terps have a 17-game home winning streak dating back to 2006.

“We are glad to be hosting it; I think it’s a big thing for us,” Reese said. “For us we are excited to play on our field. We were down at Duke when we played them in early March. We are excited to host the game on our field in front of our fans.”

Although the Terps do not see themselves as underdogs, the extra chip on their shoulder is welcomed. They have waited all season for their second chance, and they got their wish. The only thing left is to find out who is the better team.

“Being underdogs sometimes is better and pumps us up more instead of just riding high the whole time,” Kasper said. “If we come out and play how we play, I believe we can win.”

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