Maryland women’s lacrosse moved from No. 4 to No. 5 in the latest national poll on Tuesday, marking the team’s lowest ranking this season. The drop comes despite the Terps’ two blowout wins last week.
Maryland (4-1) beat UMBC, 21-12, last Wednesday and Hofstra, 17-10, on Saturday. In those victories, the Terps continued their torrid attacking start to the campaign as they extended double-digit goals streak to 28 games.
However, their defense showed signs of weakness, allowing the unranked opponents open looks at net. Coach Cathy Reese emphasized the need to improve following the Hofstra matchup.
“We are definitely not where we need to be,” Reese said.
Florida, which Maryland defeated,16-14, on Feb. 17, leapfrogged the Terps into the No. 4 spot after a strong showing against then-No. 3 North Carolina on Saturday. While the Tar Heels are the only team to beat the Terps this season, they dropped to No. 6 after falling to the Gators.
The Terps will have a chance to gain a top-ten win to potentially move them back up the rankings when they face No. 8 Syracuse on Sunday.
