No. 1 Maryland women rout Stony Brook

Not only did the University of Maryland women's lacrosse team get to celebrate a victory over Stony Brook yesterday, but it got to play on the field where it hopes to be celebrating again, come the NCAA Division I Championship in late May.

Maryland (9-0) beat Stony Brook, 19-5, at LaValle Stadium, which will host the women's national lacrosse semifinals and finals. The Terrapins, ranked No. 1 in the nation, dominated the overmatched Seawolves with their athleticism and depth, and look poised to return on May 27 and 29.

"This is a good opportunity for us to have a chance to compete in Long Island," Maryland coach Cathy Reese said of yesterday's win.

The game tilted in the Terrapins' favor early, as a flurry of six goals over a 3:04 span put Maryland up 6-0. After another Maryland goal, Stony Brook (3-5) was able to get on the board almost nine minutes into the game on a goal by freshman midfielder Kaila Gottlick, but Maryland scored the next four goals to lead 11-1.

"They are the top talent in the nation," said Stony Brook coach Allison Comito, a Maryland graduate. "We played them for a reason. It's a great opportunity to play the top team and they're strong."

After taking a 14-3 lead into intermission, the Terrapins scored the second half's first four goals before junior attack Abby Ford scored for Stony Brook to make it 18-4.

The offensive output was the lowest of the season for the Seawolves.