COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The No. 17 Navy women's lacrosse team (2-3) dropped a 16-7 decision to No. 10 Maryland (2-3) on Wednesday night at the Maryland Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex in College Park, Md. The Midshipmen fell behind early, and were not able to generate enough offense to make a comeback.
 
"It was a tough game for Navy women's lacrosse tonight," head coach Cindy Timchal said. "We went up against a Maryland team that was destined to come out strong and hard after losing three in a row. I am proud of our team for never giving up. The first half we played a little bit out of frustration; stunned by the speed. I believe we adapted and got better as the game went on. We have to walk away today, not being defined by the scoreboard, but knowing that the scoreboard doesn't define who we are as a team. It doesn't reflect the heart and character of this team. We will now go back and work on some of the fundamental things that hurt us tonight."
 
Defensively, Abbi Young (Alamo, Calif.) posted 15 saves to try to keep the Midshipmen in the game. For Young, it was her third consecutive game with double digit saves and the fourth of the young season. In her first five games as a starter, Young has recorded 61 saves for an average of 12.2 per game.
 
Lauren Herrington (Round Rock, Texas) led the way with a team-high four ground balls, while Young, Reagan Roelofs (Apple Valley, Minn.), and Kayla Harris (Annapolis, Md.) added two ground balls apiece.
 
The Mids were unable to control the ball most of the night as the Terps won the draw control battle 18-6. The disparity in the draw led to Maryland outshooting Navy, 42-20. The Terps had three players finish the game with hat tricks. Maryland's Maddie McSally was also solid at goal for the Terps, posting 11 saves.
 
Offensively, senior captain Natalie Irwin (Annandale, Va.) paced the team with three goals for her second hat trick of the season. She was joined by Harris who finished the game with a pair goals. Kelly Larkin (Alexandria, Va.) led the team with three assists, while adding a goal for a team-high four points.
 
Navy opened the game with a quick strike by Irwin off a helper by Ellie Lecker (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) Maryland responded with 11 straight goals to take an 11-1 advantage into halftime. 
 
In the second half, Irwin once again found the back of the net, cutting the margin to single digits. The Terps answered, but Harris buried a free-position opportunity to once again trim the lead. Following a Maryland goal, Navy used back-to-back goals by Harris and Lecker to cut the advantage to eight. The home team once again was able to score, but Larkin and Irwin each found the back of the net to pull to within seven, 14-7. The comeback attempt would be stopped short as the Terps closed out the game with a pair of goals to provide the final margin of 16-7.
 
Navy will be back in action on Tuesday, March 10, as the Midshipmen travel to Gainesville, Fla. to take on the nationally-ranked Florida Gators. Opening draw is slated for noon and live stats will be available.