Despite an incredible effort, the Georgetown University women’s lacrosse team (1-2) ultimately fell short in a hard-fought 9-7 battle against the No. 9 University of Maryland Terrapins (1-1) Feb. 18. The matchup was Head Coach Caitlyn Phipps’ first game against her former team after departing College Park following an illustrious playing and coaching career to coach the Hoyas in September 2024.
Maryland wasted no time asserting their offensive power, netting the game’s first goal less than a minute in. Junior attacker Gracie Driggs answered back at the 10:50 mark, tying the game 1-1 and setting the tone for an intense first quarter. Maryland regained the lead with a goal at 7:49 to close the quarter 2-1.
The Terps expanded their advantage in the second quarter with two quick goals in the first five minutes, putting them up 4-1. But the Hoyas did not back down.
A burst of energy saw Georgetown claw back with two consecutive goals in the eighth and seventh minutes, respectively, cutting Maryland’s lead to 4-3. Unfortunately for the Hoyas, the Terps capitalized on late goal scoring opportunities, stealing three unanswered goals before halftime to enter the break with a 7-3 lead.
The third quarter started as a defensive stalemate, with nearly 10 scoreless minutes to begin the period. Maryland, however, broke the silence with a goal, increasing their lead to 8-3.
Shortly after, sophomore attacker Anne McGovern reignited Georgetown’s offense with her first goal of the night, rallying the Hoyas to end the third quarter 8-4.
The Hoyas carried their newfound momentum into the fourth quarter with three straight goals, narrowing the gap to a nail-biting 8-7. McGovern and sophomore attacker Lauren Steer led the offensive charge during the run, with McGovern notching her second goal and Steer her first goal of the evening.
Despite Georgetown’s late-game push, Maryland sealed the match with a final goal with 4:49 left to go, securing a 9-7 victory for the Terrapins over their former assistant coach.
Driggs and McGovern led the Hoyas’ scoring efforts with two goals apiece, while senior midfielder Maley Starr, graduate attacker Hanna Bishop and Steer each added one apiece.
On the Hoyas’ defensive end, first-year Christina King made her presence felt with two caused turnovers, and senior goalie Leah Warehime stood tall in the net, recording eight saves.
In a positive sign for Georgetown, the Hoyas outshot the Terps 22-19, showcasing the team’s offensive potential against a top-10 opponent.
“What an incredible effort by our team tonight,” Phipps told Georgetown Athletics. “So proud of the way they competed and fought until the final whistle. We learned a lot about ourselves and are going to continue to push to get better each day.”
The Hoyas hit the road again Saturday, Feb. 22, when they head to Williamsburg, Va., to face the College of William & Mary. The opening draw is set for 3 p.m., as Georgetown looks to bounce back and build on the momentum of their spirited second-half comeback attempt.
