Maryland women’s lacrosse entered this year’s conference opener at Johns Hopkins undefeated all-time in Big Ten play, and from the opening whistle, it was clear the Blue Jays wouldn’t break that streak.
The Terps opened a 5-0 lead in the first 10 minutes and led 10-3 at halftime. Maryland continued the domination into the second half for a 15-5 win.
It was the fewest goals the Terps have allowed all season. Goalkeeper Megan Taylor made seven saves and attacker Caroline Steele scored four goals.
“When we can play great defense in front of Megan Taylor, she’s going to make the saves,” coach Cathy Reese said. “We were disciplined and smart on the defensive end and then those opportunities led to caused turnovers, which we were able to convert at the other end.”
Defender Lizzie Colson notched four ground balls, three caused turnovers and five draw controls, her most impressive stats of the year. Reese said her effort sparked Maryland’s four fastbreak goals.
Backed by Taylor and the defense’s performance, Maryland’s No. 1 scoring offense showed why it’s earned that ranking.
“Steele’s been stepping up,” attacker Megan Whittle said. “She was seeing the net really well.”
Along with Steele, midfielder Jen Giles, Whittle and attacker Taylor Hensh each had hat tricks.
Steele and Whittle also added one assist apiece in the blowout.
While Reese liked Maryland’s chemistry and 17-for-20 mark on clears, she wasn’t impressed by scoring just five goals on 20 shots in the second half.
“I credit Hopkins goalie for that too, she had some great saves,” Reese said. “But we needed to do a better job of maybe just picking our shot selection in general.”
