Eloise Clevenger started to run from behind the goal line. Already collecting 20 assists this season, it’s been a common sight for opposing defenses.
The senior attacker found a cutting Libby May unmarked in front of the goal. May caught Clevenger’s feed and fired a shot past William & Mary goalie Marin Wilhelm to start the scoring for the Terps.
Clevenger’s assist to May marked the attacker’s 100th in her career, the ninth player in Maryland women’s lacrosse history to surpass the milestone. Her first assist Wednesday helped push No. 9 Maryland women’s lacrosse past William & Mary, 20-5, in Williamsburg to remain undefeated on the road.
“Quite an accomplishment. She’s an outstanding player,” coach Cathy Reese said of Clevenger . “She’s got great field vision … but for her to be able to hit that milestone at this point in the season is really a credit to her and her teammates, the people finishing the opportunities she’s setting up.”
The Terps’ second win by double digits of the season is their 23rd consecutive victory over William & Mary, a streak that began in 1989. Maryland (5-1) now has 30 wins in program history against the Tribe (3-4).
[A week after collapsing, Maryland women’s lacrosse’s defense held strong against Denver]
William & Mary midfielder Paige Gilbert — who leads her team in goals and points — caused problems against Maryland’s defense, which ranks ninth in the country in defensive efficiency entering Wednesday, according to Lacrosse Reference.
Gilbert tallied two first half scores. Another goal from Ainsley Huizenga was the lone offense for the Tribe in the opening half. Terps’ goalie Emily Sterling made three saves, good for a 50 percent shot stopping rate in just one half of action. Julia Hammerschlag relieved Sterling after halftime.
The Tribe’s only scorer in the third quarter was defender Jaylin Locke. She carried the ball from the defensive to attacking end before beating the new Maryland goalie high. Justyce Barber added one more in the fourth quarter.
“Throughout the game, we were emphasizing communication,” defender Meghan Ball said. “I think that’s something that’s really important overall, no matter who we’re playing, is that our communication’s on point.”
Maryland put out its best attacking display of the season. The Terps hit their shooting percentage goal of over 50 percent for the first time.
The Terps hit on 57 percent of their shots in a first quarter that featured eight goals from six different scorers. Maryland was even more lethal in the second frame, scoring six goals on eight shots.
Seven different Maryland players found the net during the first half. Hannah Leubecker scored her second hat trick of the season and Clevenger added two goals in a 14-goal first half.
[Strong second-half defense helps No. 9 Maryland women’s lacrosse down No. 10 Denver, 10-8]
Another new scorer added her name onto the scoresheet after halftime. Chrissy Thomas darted to goal alone and finished for her first goal of the campaign. Maggie Weisman netted two goals, one from a free position shot, to complete her first career hat trick.
“Maggie’s been playing … the more experience she gets, the stronger and more confident she’s going to be,” Reese said . “We’re seeing a lot of new faces out there on the offensive end that are contributing, and are doing a really good job.”
Maryland’s potent efficiency on the attack can be attributed to its success on player-up and free position opportunities, areas where the Terps have struggled so far this season.
Weisman and Leubekcer scored directly from free position shots. Kori Edmondson and Hailey Russo cashed in while Maryland played with an extra player.
After a 20-goal performance, the Terps need to continue their prowess in front of the cage with a bigger test this weekend in College Park. Maryland hosts No. 2 James Madison on Sunday. An offensive display similar to Wednesday’s could help the Terps earn their third ranked win.
