How did Denver women’s lacrosse upset Maryland 8-7. What were the key factors in Denver’s victory over Maryland. Who were the standout players in the Denver vs Maryland lacrosse game.
Game Overview: Denver Stuns Maryland in Close Contest
In a thrilling matchup between two top-ranked women’s lacrosse programs, the No. 9 Denver Pioneers pulled off an upset victory against the No. 5 Maryland Terrapins with a final score of 8-7. The game, which took place on March 5, 2023, showcased the defensive prowess of both teams and came down to the wire, with Maryland unable to convert on their final possession in the closing seconds.
This nail-biting contest demonstrated the competitive nature of college lacrosse and the narrow margins that often separate victory from defeat at the highest levels of the sport. Both teams entered the game with impressive 22-1 records, highlighting the quality of the matchup and the potential implications for national rankings.
Scoring Breakdown: Key Players and Offensive Contributions
The scoring in this tightly contested game was spread across multiple players for both teams. For Denver, the offensive charge was led by Julia Gilbert, who netted an impressive 3 goals. Lauren Black and Ellie Curry each contributed 2 goals, while Mollie Estepp added 1 goal to round out the Pioneers’ total of 8.
On the Maryland side, Kori Edmondson matched Gilbert’s performance with 3 goals of her own. The remaining 4 goals for the Terrapins came from Hannah Leubecker, Victoria Hensh, Libby May, and Eloise Clevenger, each finding the back of the net once.
Offensive Statistics Comparison
- Total shots: Denver 19, Maryland 23
- Shooting percentage: Denver 42.1%, Maryland 30.4%
- Assists: Denver 1 (Sloane Kipp), Maryland 2 (Hannah Leubecker)
How did Denver manage to secure the win despite taking fewer shots? The Pioneers demonstrated superior shooting efficiency, converting a higher percentage of their opportunities compared to the Terrapins.
Defensive Standouts: Ground Balls and Caused Turnovers
The defensive battle was evident in the statistics, with both teams showcasing their ability to disrupt their opponent’s offense and regain possession.
Ground Balls
Denver’s defense was particularly active in securing loose balls, with Trinity McPherson leading the team with 3 ground balls. For Maryland, Abby Bosco matched that performance with 3 ground balls of her own.
Caused Turnovers
The Pioneers’ defensive efforts were highlighted by Sam Thacker and Trinity McPherson, each causing 2 turnovers. Maryland’s Abby Bosco stood out on the defensive end for the Terrapins, also causing 2 turnovers.
How significant were these defensive plays in the outcome of the game? The ability to disrupt the opposing team’s possessions and create additional opportunities for their own offense proved crucial in such a closely contested match.
Goalie Performance: A Battle Between the Pipes
The game featured a stellar performance from both goalkeepers, each playing a pivotal role in keeping the score close throughout the contest.
- Denver’s Emelia Bohi: 7 saves, 50% save percentage
- Maryland’s Emily Sterling: 8 saves, 50% save percentage
The identical save percentages underscore the evenly matched nature of the goaltending duel. Both Bohi and Sterling demonstrated their ability to make critical saves in high-pressure situations, contributing significantly to the defensive battle that characterized the game.
Draw Controls: The Battle for Possession
In a game where every possession mattered, the draw control battle was fiercely contested. Denver’s Trinity McPherson led all players with 5 faceoffs won, while Maryland’s efforts were more distributed, with Abby Bosco securing 3 faceoffs.
Why are draw controls so critical in lacrosse? Winning the draw provides a team with immediate possession, allowing them to dictate the pace of play and potentially score quickly. In a one-goal game, these possessions can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Draw Control Statistics
- Denver total faceoffs won: 9
- Maryland total faceoffs won: 10
Despite Maryland’s slight edge in draw controls, Denver’s efficiency in converting their possessions into goals ultimately proved decisive.
Coaching Strategy: Timeout Tactics and Final Plays
The final minutes of the game highlighted the importance of coaching decisions in crucial moments. Maryland’s head coach Cathy Reese called a strategic timeout with two minutes remaining, aiming to set up a play that would tie the game.
While the initial attempt following the timeout was unsuccessful, Maryland’s defense managed to force a turnover, giving the Terrapins one last chance with under 20 seconds on the clock. However, a misfired pass in the dying moments sealed Denver’s victory.
What can coaches learn from this high-stakes situation? The ability to remain calm under pressure and execute set plays in critical moments can often determine the outcome of closely contested games.
Impact on Rankings and Season Outlook
This victory for Denver over a higher-ranked Maryland team is likely to have significant implications for both programs as they progress through their seasons.
Potential Consequences of the Upset
- Denver’s ranking may improve, potentially moving them into the top 5
- Maryland may slip in the rankings but remain a formidable top 10 team
- Both teams’ strength of schedule benefits from this high-quality matchup
How might this result affect the teams’ momentum moving forward? For Denver, the win could serve as a confidence booster and validate their status as a national championship contender. Maryland, while disappointed with the loss, can use this as a learning experience to refine their game plan for future high-stakes matchups.
Key Takeaways and Analysis
This closely contested battle between Denver and Maryland offers several insights into what makes a successful lacrosse team at the collegiate level:
- Defensive prowess: Both teams demonstrated why they are among the best defensive units in the nation, forcing turnovers and limiting scoring opportunities.
- Offensive efficiency: Denver’s ability to convert a higher percentage of their shots proved crucial in securing the victory.
- Goaltending impact: The evenly matched performance of both goalkeepers highlighted the importance of strong play between the pipes.
- Draw control battle: While Maryland had a slight edge in faceoffs won, Denver’s ability to capitalize on their possessions made the difference.
- Coaching decisions: Strategic timeouts and set plays in crucial moments can significantly influence the outcome of close games.
What does this result tell us about the current landscape of women’s college lacrosse? It demonstrates the depth of talent across multiple programs and the fine margins that separate the top teams in the country. As the season progresses, both Denver and Maryland will likely use this game as a benchmark for improvement and a motivator for future success.
The thrilling nature of this contest serves as a testament to the excitement and competitiveness of women’s college lacrosse. As both teams move forward in their respective seasons, they will undoubtedly draw upon the lessons learned from this closely fought battle to refine their strategies and elevate their performances in pursuit of a national championship.
denver Vs maryland Lacrosse Scores & Stats 2023
denver
VS
maryland
FINAL
denver
–
8
maryland
–
7
Scoring
- Julia GILBERT
(
3
,
0
) - Lauren Black
(
2
,
0
) - Ellie CURRY
(
2
,
0
) - Mollie Estepp
(
1
,
0
) - Sloane Kipp
(
0
,
1
)
- Kori Edmondson
(
3
,
0
) - Hannah Leubecker
(
1
,
2
) - Victoria Hensh
(
1
,
0
) - Libby May
(
1
,
0
) - Eloise Clevenger
(
1
,
0
)
Shots
- Julia GILBERT
5 - Lauren Black
4 - Ellie CURRY
3 - Mollie Estepp
2 - Raegan Wilson
4 - Kayla DEROSE
1
- Kori Edmondson
5 - Hannah Leubecker
3 - Victoria Hensh
4 - Libby May
8 - Eloise Clevenger
1 - Abby Bosco
1 - Shaylan Ahearn
1
Ground Balls
- Julia GILBERT
1 - Ellie CURRY
1 - Mollie Estepp
1 - Megan Myers
1 - Sam THACKER
2 - Sarah Pokorny
1 - Megan Klingenberg
1 - Anna Palmisano
2 - Trinity McPherson
3 - Emelia Bohi
1
Ground Balls
- Kori Edmondson
1 - Hannah Leubecker
2 - Victoria Hensh
1 - Libby May
1 - Brianna Lamoureux
1 - Abby Bosco
3 - Maggie Weisman
1 - Marge Donovan
1 - Jordyn Lipkin
1 - Clancy RHEUDE
1 - Shaylan Ahearn
1 - Emily Sterling
1
Turnovers
- Julia GILBERT
2 - Lauren Black
1 - Ellie CURRY
1 - Megan Myers
1 - Caroline Colimore
1 - Sophia LaBanca
2 - Raegan Wilson
2 - Kayla DEROSE
1 - Trinity McPherson
2
Turnovers
- Kori Edmondson
3 - Hannah Leubecker
2 - Victoria Hensh
1 - Libby May
1 - Eloise Clevenger
4 - Maddy Sterling
1 - Shaylan Ahearn
1 - Shannon Smith
2
Caused Turnovers
- Lauren Black
1 - Sam THACKER
2 - Sarah Pokorny
1 - Gracie DeRose
1 - Anna Palmisano
1 - Kayla DEROSE
1 - Trinity McPherson
2
Caused Turnovers
- Hannah Leubecker
1 - Kennedy Major
1 - Maddie Sanchez
1 - Abby Bosco
2 - Marge Donovan
1 - Clancy RHEUDE
1
Faceoffs Won
- Sam THACKER
1 - Abby Jenkins
1 - Raegan Wilson
2 - Trinity McPherson
5
Faceoffs Won
- Kori Edmondson
3 - Libby May
1 - Kennedy Major
1 - Abby Bosco
3 - Shaylan Ahearn
1 - Shannon Smith
1
Faceoffs Taken
Faceoffs Taken
Saves
- Emelia Bohi
7
(
0.
50
)
50Saves
- Emily Sterling
8
(
0.50
)
Current Records
- denver
22
–
1
Current Records
- maryland
22
–
1
No. 9 Denver outlasts No. 5 Maryland women’s lacrosse, 8-7
In the final two minutes, Maryland women’s lacrosse head coach Cathy Reese called a timeout to set up a play in hopes of tying the game at eight against No. 9 Denver.
After a falling-away shot that was saved and a subsequent forced turnover, the No. 5 Terps managed to get the ball back with just under 20 seconds remaining. However, the Terps misfired their final pass and yet again fell just short against the Pioneers, losing 8-7.
“This is just a season where we’re going to have to learn from each experience and opportunity,” Reese said.
To start the first quarter, the Terps flashed their pace on offense before a careless turnover ended a great string of passes.
They rebounded quickly, however, disrupting Denver on a fast break opportunity and causing a turnover of their own.
On their subsequent possession, they earned a free position chance but couldn’t capitalize. Heading into the match, executing free position opportunities was a huge point of emphasis.
Maryland’s defense began right where it left off against James Madison, deflecting a pass and causing a shot clock violation.
On the Terps’ second free position opportunity of the day, the shot was deflected over the goal, and the Pioneers were able to eventually able to force a shot clock violation of their own.
Back and forth the Terps and Pioneers went, and both defenses proved why they’re among the very best in the nation. About seven minutes into the first quarter, though, Maryland’s offense demonstrated that it was too quick for the Pioneers. On their third free position opportunity of the day, true freshman midfielder Kori Edmondson netted her fourth of the season.
Just minutes later, after working the ball around the perimeter to no avail, attacker Hannah Leubecker found Edmondson.
At the edge of the 12 meter fan, Edmondson made a swift dodge to her left, switched hands, and with a release as quick as any, put it top shelf.
“I wouldn’t have that opportunity to even go to the goal without [my teammates] clearing through,” Edmondson said. “Everyone on the team just has [each other’s] back.”
Overall, the first quarter highlighted a glimpse as to what the Terps’ true identity should be: their defense. Despite two late goals — both of which took top-notch skill — the Terps were mostly stifling.
In the second frame, the Terps allowed the Pioneers two quick free position shots, the latter of which they capitalized on.
About four minutes into the quarter, attacker Libby May illustrated the potential key to success for the Terps’ offense: movement and cutting. She made a quick beeline for the front of the crease and Leubecker was able to easily locate her for a score.
The theme of this quarter was the Terps’ inability to penetrate the physical Pioneer defense.
Denver was more than fine with committing a few fouls because the Terps often weren’t making them pay for it.
Alternatively, the Pioneers essentially won the quarter by executing their free position chances. They lead 5-3 at the half.
To begin the third quarter, Denver attacker Julia Gilbert found the back of the net for the Pioneers. It was her third of the game, giving the Pioneers a 6-3 lead.
Shortly after, Denver attacker Lauren Black parted the defense and drove straight down the center for an impressive unassisted goal. There was simply not enough physicality to contain the Pioneers’ best offensive player.
However, the Terps began to crawl back, first with attacker Eloise Clevenger on a tight shot, snaking from behind the goal. Shortly after, Leubecker displayed her one-on-one skills, dogding past no less than three defenders and firing a bullet past goalkeeper Emelia Bohi.
Near the end of the frame, Edmondson highlighted her supreme isolation offense, essentially imitating Leubecker’s goal from earlier in the quarter.
It was her third of the game, and the first hat trick of her college career.
“Kori, I think you could see how hard she went and what a tough player she is,” Reese said. “This is just the starting point as we get going into her career as a Terp.”
Ultimately, the third quarter was a back-and-forth battle, but the Terps clearly had the advantage in time of possession. This allowed them to win the quarter and cut the Pioneers’ lead to one goal. At the start of the final quarter, Denver held a 7-6 lead.
The fourth quarter was a mostly physical defensive battle. One goal apiece from either side was all that occurred for the final 15 minutes.
“A goalie is only as good as the defense in front of them,” goalie Emily Sterling said. “As our defense has come together more, I’ve been looking at easier shots to save.”
Ultimately, the Terps’ offense stalled in the outing, and they will need to have some answers for closing out these tight games.
The Terps will take on William & Mary on Wednesday at 5 p.
m.
Three things to know
1. Performance on defense. The Terps are a speedy and skilled set of players that converge well on the ball. Defenders Abby Bosco and Kennedy Major headline this bunch of players, and rightfully so. However, there were instances when the Terps were not physical enough in one-on-one defense. They allowed players to dodge past them without much resistance being given.
As a team, they slide and support very well. Sunday, they caused seven turnovers, were 14-for-14 on clears and Sterling had eight saves.
“We’re limiting shots. We’re limiting opportunities,” Reese said. “We gave up less than 20 shots. We put Emily in the position to be 50%.”
2. Free position woes. The Terps have been hot and cold on free position opportunities to begin the season. Sunday, the Terps were a dismal 2-for-8. In some ways, it was a testament to Bohi’s saves, but for the most part, the Terps were making it easy for her by shooting directly at her.
The Terps are too skilled on offense to be reduced to a free position shooting team. It has to come down to execution on the plays they run, which occurred few and far between today. Defenses will want to be physical with Maryland in the future; the Terps simply have to show that they can take the physicality, and make their opponents pay for it.
“Our shooting wasn’t where it needs to be,” Reese emphasized. “We can’t be 2-for-8 on 8 meter [shots]. We can’t be less than 50% (shooting) and beat anybody.”
3. The offense was just average. Aside from Leubecker and Edmondson’s occasional heroics, the offense was shut down for the most part. Denver’s defense, which is its calling card, switched extremely well, slid exceptionally and played with conviction overall.
When the Terps attempted to move the ball quickly, Denver was with them every step of the way. If they ever tried to penetrate the eight-meter arc, the Pioneers smothered them and simply fouled, forcing Maryland into free position shots.
