The Maryland women’s lacrosse team overcame the biggest halftime upset in championship history to capture the Terrapins’ 13th national championship and second consecutive title on May 24.

 

The top-seeded Terps defeated No. 2-seed North Carolina, 9-8, after being down 6-3 at halftime. Maryland was led offensively by Taylor Cummings (3G, 2A) and Megan Whittle (3G, 1A).

 

“What a great night for the Terps,” head coach Cathy Reese said. “I’m really proud of my team’s effort tonight, especially in the second half. These guys came out and fought hard every possession against a really good Carolina team. Give them a lot of credit, they were going hard all game long, but we found a way to crawl our way back after the hole we dug ourselves in and pull out a great victory. I’m really proud and pleased with our effort.”

 

The Tar Heels jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game. Maryland tied the game with goals from Whittle and Cummings. After more than 10 minutes of scoreless play, Collins tallied a goal with 9:36 remaining in the half.

 

North Carolina closed the half with four unanswered goals to take a 6-3 lead. The deficit was Maryland’s largest at halftime this season.

 

“I think in that moment we pulled together and were like, ‘Alright, we have thirty minutes left and that will make or break our season,’” said Cummings of the deficit. “I think we really exemplified what Maryland lacrosse is in that second half.”

 

The Terps used a 5-0 run to start the second season to take back the lead for the remainder if the game. Maryland finished the game with an 11-8 advantage in draw controls, including seven in the second half. The Terps held the Tar Heels to just four second-half shots.

 

The Terrapins won their nation’s best 13th national championship and 12th NCAA title. Maryland’s women’s lacrosse NCAA championships rank fourth for the most women’s titles across all sports.

 

Maryland finished the 2015 campaign with a 21-1 overall record, including a 5-0 stint in Big Ten play. The Terps captured the inaugural Big Ten regular season championship. Maryland recorded 15 wins over Inside Lacrosse top-20 teams.

 

“You’re with your best friends every day, and you’re spending two or three hours every day with the people you love most,” said Cummings of the Terps’ season. “We’ve had some ups and downs, but right now, we’re on a very big up, and I don’t think you can ask for anything more.”

 

Cummings, Megan Douty, McPartland and Whittle were named to the all-tournament team. Cummings, a 2015 Tewaaraton finalist, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player for the second straight season after posting five goals, six assists, 12 draw controls and two caused turnovers in the Final Four.