NCAA Tournament semifinal preview: No. 3-seed Maryland women’s lacrosse vs. No. 2-seed North Carolina

No. 3-seed Maryland women’s lacrosse has posted among the finest data in collegiate lacrosse this season and earned a visit to Evanston, Illinois. However, head coach Cathy Reese believes there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.

“We haven’t played a perfect game,” Reese stated after Maryland’s 14-10 quarterfinal win over Navy. “I mean, sometimes we don’t even play two good quarters.”

With the Terps having captured their NCAA Tournament semifinal bid — a feat they hadn’t achieved in 4 years — they must put collectively two nearly-spotless performances in opposition to the nation’s premier packages in the event that they wish to win a title.

That journey begins Friday in opposition to No. 2-seed North Carolina. The former ACC hasn’t confronted off since 2020, however Maryland will look to down one of the loaded groups within the final decade.

Friday’s semifinal bout will happen at Martin Stadium at 3 pm, airing on ESPNU.

North Carolina Tar Heels (18-1, 10-0 Atlantic Coast Conference)

One of the longest-reigning head coaches in collegiate lacrosse, Jenny Levy you may have spent the final 31 years constructing the North Carolina women’s lacrosse program from scratch. Levy is the one coach in crew historical past, however she stands because the second-winningest woken’s lacrosse coach of all time and has led the Tar Heels to eight ACC titles.

North Carolina captured its fourth nationwide title in 2025, capping off an ideal 22-0 season, and had been an time beyond regulation objective away from going undefeated by championship weekend once more this season. The Tar Heels had been spearheaded by a younger, high-powered core, lots of whom stay on the crew heading into the semifinals.

Chloe Humphrey, sophomore attacker, No. 2 — Coming off a freshman marketing campaign that earned her the 2025 Tewaaraton Award, the attacker has remained among the finest gamers to grace the sphere in latest reminiscence. Humphrey leads the nation with 5.37 targets per sport and 148 factors, however she additionally boasts a team-high 21 brought on turnovers and 46 assists. The Terps may have their palms full in opposition to North Carolina’s star — Maryland gave up six targets to Navy’s lead attacker, Alyssa Chung, of their quarterfinal bout.

Addison Patillo, sophomore attacker, No. 16 — Backing up one of many nation’s most prolific attackers is a novel activity, however Patillo has settled into his position with ease. The sophomore has logged 69 factors in 2026 — together with 59 targets — regardless of serving in a supporting position. Patillo additionally shows a number of the greatest stickwork on North Carolina’s roster, along with her 19 turnovers the fewest among the many beginning attackers.

Eliza Osburn, sophomore midfielder, No. 13 — Rounding out a stout sophomore class, Osburn has been a balanced asset for the Tar Heels within the midfield. Osburn has notched 48 factors this season whereas additionally delivering 39 draw controls, 24 floor balls and 15 brought on turnovers as North Carolina’s major workhorse.

Possession dominance. Much of the Tar Heels’ means to take over offensively comes from their innate means to say and keep possession. North Carolina leads the ACC with 16.2 draw controls per sport whereas inflicting a good 9.8 turnovers per sport. The Tar Heels additionally commit the fewest turnovers per sport within the convention (12.1), permitting them to benefit from key alternatives. A +196 objective differential highlights how good they’re at it.

Goalkeeping consistency. With such a deep lineup, Levy has struggled to achieve belief in her beginning goalkeeper, sophomore Betty Nelson. The netminder has been subbed out 15 occasions this season, together with in essential late-game situations in opposition to troublesome opponents — such because the time beyond regulation loss to Northwestern. Nelson’s 40.6% save share leaves a lot to be desired, and he or she might wrestle in opposition to a deep Maryland assault.

1. Reese’s defensive gameplan. Despite having average success at blocking down prime attackers all through the common season, Maryland’s protection could also be in want of a tough reset after Chung’s dominance. While the Terps are unlikely to deviate from their commonplace man-to-man idea, Reese could think about alterations in particular person positioning in an try and restrict Humphrey’s fiery taking pictures.

2. Individual standout or crew synergy? While particular person breakout performances have usually highlighted Maryland’s season, the offensive depth has carried it by the majority of the nationwide event. Lauren LaPointe — who scored a career-high seven targets in a win over Johns Hopkins — stated she takes satisfaction within the offense’s means to share the ball.

“I love that we can really rely on anyone on the field,” LaPointe stated. “There’s no one that’s on the field that doesn’t have a specific role or an important role on the field.”

3. Fresh legs. With eight days between the quarterfinals and semifinals, Maryland will hope to be in peak bodily kind earlier than Friday’s contest. The Terps have gone 4-0 this season in video games coming off at the very least seven days of relaxation and can look to maintain it rolling in a win-or-go-home matchup.