The Maryland lacrosse team suffered arguably the most deflating loss in the program’s history at the hands of North Carolina last Memorial Day.
On Saturday, the Terrapins exercised their demons and got redemption in a dominant 15-7 win over the Tar Heels. Seven Terps finished with at least two goals on the afternoon.
Attackman Matt Rambo recorded five points (two goals & three assists) and reached 200 points for his career. Midfielder Connor Kelly also registered five points (two goals & three assists) in the win.
Maryland jumped all over North Caroline in the early going.
Just 1:34 into the game, Maryland forced a North Carolina turnover and was able to get out in transition. After setting up their offense, precision passing ultimately found Rambo behind the cage and he fed long-stick midfielder Tim Muller for the goal right in front.
Dylan Maltz ripped a goal past North Carolina goalie Brian Balkam off a heads-up pass from Kelly to give the Terps a 2-1 lead with 7:24 left in the opening quarter. Maltz totaled three goals on the afternoon on just three shots.
Just 17 seconds later, Colin Heacock potted a goal off a pass from Tim Rotanz to give Maryland a 3-1 lead. Heacock also had a strong game with two goals and an assist.
Maryland scored on their first six shots of the game. Heacock (two), Kelly, Maltz, Muller, and Jared Bernhardt were the responsible goal scorers for the Terps, who ended the first quarter with a 6-2 lead.
Maryland closed out the first half very strong as they held a 9-3 advantage at the break. Both teams had 15 shots apiece, but strong defense and Dan Morris’ performance in goal were the difference for the Terps.
Morris ended up with 12 saves when it was all said and done.
The Terps scored four goals to begin the second half. Rambo netted both of his goals during that stretch and face-off specialist Austin Henningsen also scored right off of a win at the “X.”
North Carolina did respond with three consecutive goals and cut the Maryland lead to 13-6 early in the fourth quarter. However, Maryland’s swarming defense proved to be too much for the Tar Heels.C
Maryland had a 38-29 advantage in the ground ball department. Curtis Corley, Henningsen, Morris, and Bryce Young each had four ground balls to lead the way.
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The Terps return to the field next Saturday when they host Michigan.