Amy Davis, Baltimore SunLoyola's Zach Herreweyers (27) and Brian Sherlock (6) celebrate Loyola's 10th goal of the game in the third quarter.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland attacker Jay Carlson takes on Johns Hopkins midfielder Phil Castronova.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson's Jack Adams shoots and scores Towson's third goal against Ohio State in the first quarter.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland attacker Matt Rambo fires a shot past Johns Hopkins goalie Eric Schneider and long-stick defensive midfielder Michael Pellegrino.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Bobby Gribbin, left, celebrates as Loyola Maryland's Jared Mintzlaff, from right, and Ryan Fournier react in dejection after Gribbin's goal, Maryland's 10th, in the third quarter on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMichigan goalie Gerald Logan and Maryland attackman Jay Carlson fight for possession.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins goalkeeper Eric Schneider, left, prepares for a shot by Towson attackman Ryan Drenner, center, as the Blue Jays' Joe Carlini defends.
Kim Hairston / Baltimore SunColgate players swarm around Loyola Maryland's Johnny Giuffreda as he fights to keep possession of the ball in the first half.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunVirginia midfielder Jeff Kratky stick-checks Johns Hopkins midfielder Drew Kennedy.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland goalie Kyle Bernlohr clears the ball after a save in the fourth quarter against Loyola Maryland on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunA shot by Virginia midfielder Zed Williams finds the back of the net behind Loyola goalie Pat McEnerney for what would be the game-winning goal.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Zach Herreweyers, right, celebrates with teammate Romar Dennis after scoring a goal against Penn State in the second quarter.
Amy Davis, Baltimore SunLoyola defenders Jack Carrigan (left) and Pat Frazier successfully stop Towson's Ryan Drenner from getting off a shot as goalie Pat McEnerney looks on.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland attackman Dave Goodwin tries to score around Michigan defender Mack Gembis.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Bryan Cole pumps his fist after scoring the eventual game-winning goal against Loyola Maryland in the fourth quarter on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland midfielder Henry West (38) in action against North Carolina midfielder Brett Bedard (3) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland players celebrate after a score.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunNorth Carolina midfielder Walker Chafee (18) and Maryland long stick middle Mike Bender (11) fight for possession during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson goalie Tyler White, center, watches the ball hit the net for the eventual game-winning score by Ohio State's Ryan Hunter in the fourth quarter.
RICH SCHULTZ / Associated PressDenver's head coach Bill Tierney watches as his team work out prior to the start of the NCAA Division I men's lacrosse championship game.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins coach Dave Pietramala during the second half.
Greg Fiume / Maryland AthleticsJohns Hopkins celebrates a 14-9 victory over Penn State.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunNorth Carolina congratulates Maryland after the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland midfielder Charlie Raffa (7) wins a faceoff against North Carolina midfielder Michael Tagliaferri (21) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins goalkeeper Eric Schneider, pictured, can't stop a shot by Towson's Andrew Hodgson.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland attackman Matt Rambo tries to score around Michigan midfielder Chase Young.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunLoyola's Romar Dennis celebrates his goal against Army at Ridley Athletic Complex.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland attackman Jay Carlson fires a shot past Michigan defender Mack Gembis (4) and Michigan goalie Gerald Logan (22).
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola's Brian Sherlock, left, winds up to shoot and score a goal to tie game at 10 in the fourth quarter against Loyola Maryland on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunSyracuse midfielder Ben Williams (37) and Johns Hopkins midfielder Drew Kennedy (76) in action during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland midfielder Bobby Gribbin (34) celebrates during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Amy Davis, Baltimore SunLoyola's Charley Toomey coaches against Towson.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunLoyola's Jack Carrigan defends Army's Tim Stackpole at Ridley Athletic Complex.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola's Pat Frazier, right, knocks the ball loose from the stick of Maryland's Matt Rambo, left, in the second quarter on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore SunMaryland's Henry West, center, shoots against Penn's Kevin Gayhardt in the second quarter at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland attackman Dylan Maltz (25) in action during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland attackman Dylan Maltz runs by Michigan defender Stefan Bergman behind the net.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland midfielder Bryan Cole (45) in action against North Carolina midfielder Jake Matthai (6) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunLoyola midfielder Jared Mintzlaff puts his hands to his helmet after failing to score with a chance to tie Virginia, which celebrate as time expires at Ridley Athletic Complex.
Greg Fiume / Maryland AthleticsJoe LoCascio shoots and scores against Ohio State.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson's Spencer Parks, left, takes a shot against Hofstra's Brenden Lynch (#42) and goalie Chris Selva in the second quarter. Hofstra defeated Towson 9-2 Saturday in a men's lacrosse game at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Kieran Eissler rears back to fire a shot in front of Virginia midfielder Jack Falk.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's goalie Kyle Bernlohr, center, gets control of the ball to prevent Yale from gaining possession late in the fourth quarter. Maryland defeated Yale in the first round of the 2015 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Capital Field at Byrd Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson's Mike Lowe and goalie Tyler White defends against Ohio State's Carter Brown, left, as he wings up for a shot in the fourth quarter.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunLoyola goalie Pat McEnerney reacts after yielding the eventual game-winning goal, scored by Virginia midfielder Zed Williams.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore SunMaryland's Henry West, center, shoots against Penn's Matt McMahon, left, and Kevin Gayhardt in the second quarter at Byrd Stadium.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunTowson's Andrew Hodgson, right, celebrates his goal against Johns Hopkins with teammates Joe Seider, left, and Ben McCarty.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Nikko Pontrello tries to get past Penn State goalkeeper Connor Darcey in the first quarter.
Kim Hairston / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Graham Savio can't hold on to the ball after a faceoff in the first half.
RICH SCHULTZ / Associated PressMaryland's Mac Pons (43) checks Denver's Jack Bobzien (11) during the first half of the NCAA Division I men's lacrosse championship.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland defender Tim Muller (36) in action against North Carolina defender Matt Shannon (66) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Kim Hairston / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland defenders Jack Carrigan, left, and Pat Frazier watch as a ball beats goalkeeper Grant Limone for a goal in the first half.
Matthew Cole / Baltimore Sun Media GroupNavy's T.J. Hanzsche circles the crease before passing off during Tuesday afternoon's game against Towson at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins goalkeeper Eric Schneider turns back as defender Eddie Schurr (8) watches a shot by Virginia midfielder Greg Coholan find the net for the game's first goal at Homewood Field.
Matthew Cole / Baltimore Sun Media GroupTowson's Dan Livingston checks Navy's Casey Rees.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins attackman Wells Stanwick (42) celebrates during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Bryan Cole, right, takes a shot at Loyola Maryland goalie Grant Limone, left, in the third quarter on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Brian Sherlock lines up a scoring shot against Penn State in the second quarter.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland men's lacrosse head coach John Tillman is pictured before a game against Loyola Maryland on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunNorth Carolina attackman Jimmy Bitter (4) in action against Maryland defender Mac Pons (43) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
RICH SCHULTZ / Associated PressMaryland's Mac Pons (43) checks Denver's Jack Bobzien (11) during the first half of the NCAA Division I men's lacrosse championship.
Kim Hairston / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Nikko Pontrello cradles the ball in the first half.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins attackman Wells Stanwick, center, takes a shot at Towson goalkeeper Tyler White, left, and defenseman Mike Lowe.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Romar Dennis celebrates his late goal against Penn State in the fourth quarter.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Nikko Pontrello is checked by Penn State's Ryan Guittare as he shoots in the third quarter.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Tyler Albrecht takes a shot in the third quarter.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunLoyola's Jason Crane gets hit with a shot in front of goalie Grant Limone (42) at Ridley Athletic Complex.
RICH SCHULTZ / Associated PressDenver's Wesley Berg (14) celebrates his goal against Maryland during the second half of the NCAA Division I men's lacrosse championship.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland goalkeeper Pat McEnerney prepares for a shot by Penn State's Pat Manley in the second quarter.
Kim Hairston / Baltimore SunColgate's Noah Cartwright tries to defend Loyola Maryland's Nikko Pontrello in the first half.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunFans celebrate during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunNorth Carolina midfielder Shane Simpson (22) in action against Maryland midfielder Adam DiMillo (23) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunUniversity of Maryland 's Joe LoCascio, left, shoots pass Yale's Alirio DeMeireles, right, to score Maryland's first goal in the first quarter of their first-round game in the 2015 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Capital Field at Byrd Stadium.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunTowson's Joe Seider, center, loses the ball as Johns Hopkins' Robert Enright, left, and Joe Carlini defend.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson's Spencer Parks (#6) gets up from the field after Ohio State defeated Towson, 7-6.
Kim Hairston / Baltimore SunA shot by Colgate's Peter Donato heads for the net and past Loyola Maryland goalkeeper Grant Limone.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland midfielder Joe LoCascio (5) launches a shot by North Carolina midfielder Tate Jozokos (28) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland goalie Kyle Bernlohr, left, smothers the ball to keep it away from Yale's Ben Reeves, right, late in the fourth quarter. Maryland defeated Yale, 8-7, in the first round of the 2015 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Capital Field at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMichigan defender Stefan Bergman lays a hard hit on Maryland midfielder Charlie Raffa.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Joel Tinney reacts after scoring a goal against Virginia.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Joe LoCascio, right, winds up to shot and score Maryland's sixth goal dispite a defensive effort by Yale's Reilly Naton, left, in the fourth quarter. Maryland defeated Yale in the first round of the 2015 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Capital Field at Byrd Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Colin Heacock, left, celebrates his second-quarter goal with teammate Matt Rambo. Maryland defeated Yale, 8-7, in the first round of the 2015 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Capital Field at Byrd Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson's Joe Seider, center, takes a behind the back shot at Hofstra's (l-r) goalie Chris Selva, Finn Sullivan (#44) and John Reicherter (#22) in the second quarter. Hofstra defeated Towson 9-2 Saturday in a men's lacrosse game at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Matthew Cole / Baltimore Sun Media GroupNavy's Casey Rees shoots on Towson goalkeeper Tyler White, scoring for Navy during Tuesday afternoon's game at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Brian Sherlock winds up for a shot in the fourth quarter.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson's Mike Lynch, left, takes a shot against Ohio State goalie Tom Carey, right, in the second quarter.
Amy Davis, Baltimore SunTowson's Shawn Nadelen coaches against Loyola.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore Sun
RICH SCHULTZ / Associated PressDenver's head coach Bill Tierney gets a hug after their 10-5 win over Maryland in the NCAA Division I men's lacrosse championship.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunTowson's Mike Lynch, top, joins teammates Joe Seider, right, and Greg Cuccinello, left, after Cuccinello scored against Johns Hopkins.
RICH SCHULTZ / Associated PressMaryland's Bobby Gribbin (34) runs into Denver's Christian Thomas (43) during the first half of the NCAA Division I men's lacrosse championship.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunHofstra head coach Seth Tierney is pictured in the third quarter. Hofstra defeated Towson 9-2 Saturday in a men's lacrosse game at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Joel Tinney (55) in action during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland men's lacrosse head coach Charley Toomey is pictured before a game against Maryland on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Matthew Cole / Baltimore Sun Media GroupTowson's Andrew Cordes defends the crease as Navy's Jack Ray looks for an open teammate.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins attacker Ryan Brown celebrates a goal with his teammates.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland midfielder Joseph Fitzpatrick races past Michigan midfielder Parker McKee.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Matt Rambo, center, takes a shot against Yale goalie Eric Natale, left, and Christopher Keating, right, in the third quarter. Maryland defeated Yale, 8-7, in the first round of the 2015 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Capital Field at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins attackman Wells Stanwick (42) in action against Syracuse defender Jay McDermott (88).
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins' Patrick Fraser scores in the second quarter as Princeton's Sam Gravitte closes in on him.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins celebrates after their NCAA lacrosse quarterfinal win over Syracuse at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunThe Big Ten Conference logo at Homewood Field.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunTowson defenseman JoJo Ostrander, left, brings the ball up the field as Johns Hopkins' Holden Cattoni tries to knock it away.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunCollege Park, Md.--4/8/15-- Maryland's Jay Carlson, right, tries to prevent Loyola goalie Grant Limone, left, from clearing the ball in the fourth quarter. Maryland defeated Loyola by score of 11 to 10 in men's lacrosse at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun _KKL4413 sp-loyola-maryland-p11-lacrosse lam
Greg Fiume / Maryland AthleticsJohns Hopkins celebrates a 14-9 victory over Penn State.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunLoyola midfielder Graham Savio is double-teamed by Virginia midfielders Jeff Kratky (back) and Tyler German (12) at Ridley Athletic Complex.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Bryan Cole, right, watches his shot goes into Loyola's goal for the game-winning goal in the fourth quarter against Loyola Maryland on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola's Brian Sherlock flips over after scoring a goal to tie the game at 10 in the fourth quarter on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson's Joe Seider, right, takes a shot at Hofstra's Brenden Lynch (#42) and goalie Chris Selva, left, in the second quarter. Hofstra defeated Towson 9-2 Saturday in a men's lacrosse game at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunLoyola goalkeeper Grant Limone blocks a shot at Ridley Athletic Complex.
RICH SCHULTZ / Associated PressMaryland's Colin Heacock (2) scores past Denver goalie Ryan LaPlante (10) as defenders Garret Holst (25) and Chris Hampton assist during the first half of the NCAA Division I men's lacrosse championship.
Amy Davis, Baltimore SunTowson's JoJo Ostrander was called for slashing Loyola's Zach Sirico in the closing minutes of the game.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins' Joel Tinney (55) celebrates his fourth-quarter goal, which put the Blue Jays ahead 15-14.
Amy Davis, Baltimore SunLoyola's Zach Herreweyers scores in the second quarter against Towson.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson's Joe Seider takes a shot against Hofstra in the first quarter. Hofstra defeated Towson 9-2 Saturday in a men's lacrosse game at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Patrick Fraser tries to stick-check Virginia midfielder Will McNamara.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunArmy's Connor Cook) celebrates a goal scored on Loyola goalkeeper Grant Limone at Ridley Athletic Complex.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Holden Cattoni (99) intercepts a pass intended for University of Maryland midfielder Bobby Gribbin (34) during an NCAA Men's lacrosse match between the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunPrinceton's Gavin McBride gets off a shot under pressure from Johns Hopkins' John Crawley. He scored to tie the game at 14 in the fourth quarter.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunVirginia goalie Matt Barrett stops a shot by Loyola midfielder Brian Sherlock at Ridley Athletic Complex.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins attackman Wells Stanwick (42) attempts to pick up a loose ball during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunFans congratulate Maryland players after the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunVirginia midfielder Carlson Milikin pursues Johns Hopkins midfielder Cody Radziewicz.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland goalie Kyle Bernlohr (35), bottom, tries to dive ahead of Yale's Eric Scott, center, and Jeff Cimbalista to gain possession of the out-of-bounds ball in the fourth quarter. Maryland defeated Yale, 8-7, in the first round of the 2015 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Capital Field at Byrd Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Zach Herreweyers scores his third goal of the game in the third quarter against Penn State.
Matthew Cole / Baltimore Sun Media GroupNavy's Matt Rees takes possession as Towson moves in during Tuesday afternoon's game at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunLoyola's Nikko Pontrello (18) celebrates his unassisted goal with Zach Sirico at Ridley Athletic Complex.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Hunter Moreland tries to hold on to possession.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunPrinceton's Gavin McBride scores the game-winning goal against Johns Hopkins goalie Eric Schneider in overtime.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins attacker Wells Stanwick protects the ball.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland midfielder Joe LoCascio (5) and North Carolina defender Zach Powers (77) in action during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunNorth Carolina attackman Jimmy Bitter (4) reacts after being hit by Maryland midfielder Henry West (38) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder John Crawley (44) in action against Syracuse midfielder Mike Messina (21).
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Joe LoCascio winds up to shoot and score against Loyola Maryland in the first quarter on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland midfielder Charlie Raffa (7) and North Carolina midfielder Stephen Kelly (24) fight for a loose ball during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins celebrates after its NCAA lacrosse quarterfinal win over Syracuse at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson head coach Shawn Nadelen, left, talks with a game official with 14 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Amy Davis, Baltimore SunFrom left, Towson's Ben McCarty, Loyola's Tyler Albrecht, Towson's Pat Conroy and Loyola's Brendan Donovan battle for the ball.
Kim Hairston / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Zac Davliakos, left, and Graham Savio battle with Colgate's Collin Orr for possession of the ball after a faceoff in the first half.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland attackman Dylan Maltz fires a shot toward Michigan goalie Gerald Logan.
Greg Fiume / Maryland AthleticsMatt Rambo cradles the ball against Ohio State.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunTowson's Joe Seider, left, takes a behind the back shot pass Hofstra's John Reicherter (#22) in the second quarter. Hofstra defeated Towson 9-2 Saturday in a men's lacrosse game at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins' Wells Stanwick lines up a shot against Princeton in the second quarter.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Hunter Moreland (31) and Johns Hopkins attackman Ryan Brown (4) lay a hard hit on Syracuse midfielder Ben Williams (37) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunHofstra's Brier Davis, left, celebrates after he scored Hofstra's fifth goal against Towson goalie Tyler White, on ground, in the third quarter. Hofstra defeated Towson 9-2 Saturday in a men's lacrosse game at Johnny Unitas Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunUniversity of Maryland midfielder Adam DiMillo (23) and Johns Hopkins attacker Wells Stanwick (42) fight for possession during an NCAA Men's lacrosse match between the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Matt Rambo, right, celebrates his game-tying goal in front of Yale's Brian Pratt, left, in the fourth quarter. Maryland defeated Yale, 8-7, in the first round of the 2015 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Capital Field at Byrd Stadium.
Kim Hairston / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Zach Sirico tries to get by Colgate's Leo Stouros in the first half.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore SunLoyola defender Jason Crane shadows Virginia attack Owen Van Arsdale at Ridley Athletic Complex.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins longstick midfielder Nikhon Schuler (36) plays defense on Syracuse midfielder Nicky Galasso (5).
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunApril 25, 2015: University of Maryland midfielder Joe LoCascio (5) in action during an NCAA Men's lacrosse match between the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins at the University of Maryland in College Park.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunOhio State's Jesse King, center, passes to a teammate as Towson's Mike Lowe, left, and JoJo Ostrander, right, defend.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Jay Carlson (32), left, runs to teammate Henry West, center, to celebrate West's eventual game-winning goal against Yale in the fourth quarter. Maryland defeated Yale, 8-7, in the first round of the 2015 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament at Capital Field at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Connor Reed (16) in action against Syracuse longstick midfielder Peter Macartney (28) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunTowson defenseman JoJo Ostrander, left, chases Johns Hopkins midfielder Patrick Fraser.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland coach Charley Toomey after an 8-6 win over Penn State.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Romar Dennis winds up before scoring the final goal of the game.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Hunter Moreland and Maryland midfielder Jon Garino Jr. fight for possession.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunLoyola Maryland's Romar Dennis, right, takes a shot past Maryland's Tim Muller in the fourth quarter on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunPrinceton's Zach Currier scores the team's sixth goal against Johns Hopkins goalie Eric Schneider in the first quarter.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland midfielder Charlie Raffa fires a shot.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunFans celebrate during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinal between Johns Hopkins and Syracuse at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunUniversity of Maryland midfielder Connor Kelly (40) in action against Johns Hopkins midfielder Joe Carlini (1) during an NCAA Men's lacrosse match between the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.
Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins' Ryan Brown, second from right, shouts as midfielder Joel Tinney, left, runs in to celebrate Brown's goal against Towson.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins midfielder Hunter Moreland (31) fights for possession with Syracuse midfielder Ben Williams (37) during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunJohns Hopkins attackman Shack Stanwick (32) in action during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore SunMaryland's Bryan Cole (#45), right, scored the eventual game-winning goal against Loyola Maryland as teammate Jay Carlson, left, celebrates on Wednesday. Maryland won 11-10 at Byrd Stadium.
Daniel Kucin Jr. / For The Baltimore SunMaryland celebrates during the NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals.
Maryland has won all four meetings with Denver, including going 2-0 against the Pioneers in the NCAA Division I tournament. The Terps, who captured national crowns in 1973 and 1975, are 2-9 in championship finals and have lost in their last seven trips to the title game. The Pioneers are making their debut in the championship final.
Maryland (15-3), the No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament, set a program record for wins in a single season with its 15th victory after Saturday’s 12-11 decision against Johns Hopkins in the semifinals. Faceoff specialist Charlie Raffa has been plagued by numerous injuries, but usually rises to the occasion in the playoffs. The senior has won 64.6 percent of his draws in 11 tournament games and needs just 11 more faceoff wins to reach the 500 mark in his career.
Denver (16-2), the No. 4 seed in the NCAA postseason, is riding a 12-game winning streak and hasn’t suffered a setback since March 14 in a 13-11 loss at Ohio State. While much of the national attention has been paid to the high-powered offense, the 14th-ranked defense at 8.7 goals per game isn’t shabby either. Senior goalkeeper Ryan LaPlante, who is the program’s all-time leader in victories with 41 (against just nine losses), ranks 15th in the country in goals-against average (8.53) and 29th in save percentage (.529).
Here are a few factors that could play a role in the outcome of this NCAA tournament final at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Monday at 1 p.m.
1) Production. The Terps had a trio of players record three points each in the first-round win against Yale, junior midfielder Bryan Cole post four goals and one assist in the quarterfinal thumping of No. 3 seed North Carolina, and sophomore attackman Matt Rambo register four goals and two assists in the semifinal decision against Johns Hopkins. While Maryland fans might wish for a singular standout like Mike Chanenchuk was for the 2014 squad, coach John Tillman has a deeper appreciation for the offense’s diversity.
“You really can’t just focus on one or two guys,” he said. “It’s great to have those terrific players, but now when you have a system of guys and it’s a little harder to get a sense of who is going to be the guy and everyone is willing to share, that can be really helpful. And that was a good thing about this group, they’re a very selfless group, that they’re always willing to share the ball.”
2) Defense. The Terps lead the nation in fewest goals allowed per game at 6.9, and redshirt junior goalie Kyle Bernlohr is first in goals-against average (6.78) and sixth in save percentage (.577). The unit’s defensive integrity will be tested by a Pioneers offense that ranks fifth in scoring at 13.9 goals per game and boasts sophomore attackman Connor Cannizzaro (56 goals and 33 assists) and senior attackman and Tewaaraton Award finalist Wesley Berg (53 goals and 20 assists). But Denver coach Bill Tierney said his offense will clash with a Maryland defense that is unlike many others.
“It’s ‘I’m bigger, I’m stronger, I’m tougher than you are. Go ahead and try and beat me,'” Tierney said. “That’s what they’re all about. We don’t see many of those. … All I know is they’re really good, and they’re really good at stopping the individual. Unlike us or unlike Notre Dame where there is such a help system, they’re going to try to stop our guys individually.”
3) Exhaustion. The challenge of capturing the NCAA championship involves winning two games in a span of three days. The Pioneers are well-versed in that process, defeating Air Force and Furman in back-to-back days in February and disposing of Villanova and Georgetown in three days of the Big East tournament. The Terps, however, will face this task for the first time this season, and Tillman said he is trying to wrap his brain around the inevitability of a few more mistakes from his players.
“There’s going to be some fatigue, and you’ve got to live with some turnovers,” he said. “You can’t have the guys too tight. They’ve got to play, they’ve got to play loose. You’re going to live with some turnovers. You just have to be OK with that. Sometimes as coaches, you’ve got to grit your teeth, move on to the next play, and be positive. That’s the approach our kids really respond well to. And then also the kids, you just have to remind them, ‘Hey, [with a] quick turnaround, let’s not try to do too much.’ We may have to play a little bit more within ourselves.”