It was obvious from the outset that Sunday's showdown between North Carolina and Maryland would come down to which team could dictate its style of play and pace.
The Terps turned in a textbook example of slowing the tempo and the result was a surprisingly easy victory.
Midfielders Bryan Cole, Connor Kelly and Joe LoCascio led the way as No. 6 seed Maryland used a methodical offense and suffocating defense to overwhelm third-seeded North Carolina, 14-7, in the NCAA Division I quarterfinals.
Cole reached career highs with four goals and five points. LoCascio contributed a goal and three assists while Kelly, a freshman who had scored two goals all season, scored three.