The fourth-seeded Maryland women’s lacrosse team came into Thursday’s NCAA tournament quarterfinals with redemption in mind after losing to visiting Florida in overtime early this season. Those aspirations quickly crumbled, however, beneath an inspired Gators attack that opened a decisive lead in the first quarter before an unforgiving Florida defense did the rest.
The 15-9 loss at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex in College Park ended Maryland’s season one victory short of a 13th appearance in the Final Four under Coach Cathy Reese. It also marked a stark contrast to the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament for the Terrapins (14-6), who won those games by a combined score of 34-8.