Maryland Lands Spot in NCAA Championship Final

Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics


PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Maryland will play for a national championship in men's lacrosse after defeating Virginia, 12-6, in an NCAA Semifinal played before 32,269 fans at Lincoln Financial Field.

The 10th-ranked Terrapins (11-5) will take on top-ranked Notre Dame (15-1) in the NCAA Championship Game on Monday at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Maryland trailed for only five minutes on Saturday, building a 4-1 lead after 15 minutes and taking a four-goal advantage into halftime.

Maryland held fifth-ranked Virginia to its lowest goal total of the season, avenging a loss to the Cavaliers earlier in the season.

All-Big Ten Second Team selection Luke Wierman dominated the X, winning 15-of-22 faceoffs (68.1 percent) and gathering 10 ground balls. He also executed a pinch-and-pop on a first-quarter goal.

Eric Spanos compiled five points (two goals, three assists), Daniel Kelly registered three goals and defender Ajax Zappitello forced three turnovers in other key performances.

Maryland will be seeking its fifth NCAA title, having last won a wooden trophy two seasons ago during an undefeated campaign.