Maryland women take lacrosse crown from Northwestern

TOWSON, Md. - Their eyes were red, and it took every bit of effort for the Northwestern players to keep the tears from flowing down their flushed cheeks. None of them had ever experienced losing the NCAA women's lacrosse national championship game, and the way it happened made it even more difficult to swallow.

Northwestern's dynasty ended Sunday with a 13-11 loss to Maryland, which rallied from a six-goal deficit to dethrone the five-time defending champions. The Wildcats (20-2) scored the game's first six goals - Erin Fitzgerald (Mount Sinai) and Shannon Smith (West Babylon) each had two in that span - and led 8-3 before being held scoreless for 271/2 minutes while the Terrapins (22-1) took control.

"It felt like every shot they were taking was going in and every one we took wasn't,'' Maryland coach Cathy Reese said, "and actually, that's exactly what happened."

"We started to stand around a little bit on offense and not do what got us to that point, and they were able to inch back into it," Northwestern coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said.

"We started to get a little casual when we were up 6-0,'' Northwestern senior Danielle Spencer said, "and they made us pay.''

It was the 10th NCAA women's title for Maryland, the first since 2001, and it preserved the Terrapins' record of seven straight titles from 1995-2001.

The Terps also ended Northwestern's run of 23 consecutive tournament wins. "Maryland is a tremendous team. They're not going to let down," Amonte Hiller said. "We knew they weren't going to roll over and die."

"They're a great defense. All the credit goes to them," Northwestern senior Katrina Dowd said, her top lip quivering as she spoke. "They did what they had to do to win."

Maryland goalie Brittany Dipper, who didn't stop a shot until the Wildcats scored their eighth goal, finished with seven saves.

The game was played before 9,782 fans, the largest crowd to watch a women's lacrosse event in United States history. Maryland used a five-goal run to pull even at halftime, and the Terrapins took their first lead when Caitlyn McFadden scored from the free position early in the second half to make it 9-8.

Northwestern finally ended its scoring drought with 17:39 left, then got another to pull into a tie at 10 with 12:03 remaining. Brandi Jones put the Terrapins back in front with 9:51 left, scoring in front off a fine pass from McFadden.

Shortly after Spencer had the potential tying goal wiped out because of a crease violation, McFadden made it 12-10. Spencer scored with 2:57 left, but Karri Ellen Johnson clinched it for the Terps with 2:03 to go.

"What an amazing night for the Terps," Reese said. "I am so proud of this team. The heart and fight they displayed were outstanding. They showed outstanding composure and poise."

And now, for the first time in six years, the Wildcats end the season looking up at another team.

"It's tough to stay at the top," Amonte Hiller said. "We'll definitely go back to the drawing board and be ready. I know that doesn't help out our seniors, but they had a tremendous career."