Florida remains No. 2 after loss over Maryland

On March 28 I drove up to Gainesville to watch the top two women's lacrosse team battle it out. The game took place at Floridas Donald Dizney Lacrosse stadium at noon. With one of the largest audiences in Gator history, the environment was nothing but supportive for the Gators. The result of the game was a game changer for both teams, if Florida won they would be titled number one, with Maryland losing their reign over the lacrosse world. With that being said, the game was intense and emotional with both teams having a winning streak and protecting something valuable. The game started off with Maryland winning the draw thanks to Taylor Cummings one of the best lacrosse players in division 1, earning two tewaaraton awards. The game continued with Maryland winning possession controlling 15 draws to five for the Gators. The Gators played solid defense in the first half, limiting the Terps to a season-tying low of four goals as they stayed within striking distance, trailing 4-2 at the break. The Maryland offense tested the Gator defense by passing between player and player and attacking the goal. Caroline Wannen scored four goals and chipped in three assists for Maryland. Kacie Longo, Jen Giles and Zoe Stukenberg added two goals apiece, as Maryland outshot Florida 31-16. With 21 minutes remaining, Maryland went on an 8-0 run without allowing the Gators to score again until there were just under nine minutes to go. By that time the Terps were up 13-4 and Florida's chances were washed away. With a loss like this comes reflection time. A time where the Gators can focus on the things they didn't do well, and emphasize the things they did. On Florida's to-do list is finding a way to limit the fouls, as the Gators committed 28 to Maryland's nine, which in turn led to seven free positions for the Terps on which they capitalized by scoring four goals.