Kevin M. Neibauer
LaxPhilly- A Division of the Edge of Philly Sports Network.
Before the NCAA DI has even started their Conference play, a debate has been ongoing.
Number 1…Maryland or Virginia?
It seems the Maryland Terrapins have put the question to rest with a resounding, 23-12 pounding of Virginia.
“It’s easier to learn from a loss than it is from a win, but this [was] a really, really bad loss for us and we’re forced to learn from this one,” Virginia’s Matt Moore.
To the Game
The #1 Maryland Terrapins (7-0) struck early, how early?
Is eight seconds early? Luke Wireman, Maryland face off specialist, won the draw and Keegan Khan (4g, 3a) buried a shot.
Jack Koras (1g) doubled the lead at 9:08 with Owen Murphy setting it up
#2 Virginia (6-1) got on the board courtesy of Matt Moore (3g,2a) with an unassisted marker.
Khan (7th), Jonathan Donville (3g) and Owen Murphy (3g, 1a) for the Terps and Connor Shellenberger (3g, 2a) and a second from Moore for Virginia added the goals to end the quarter
The Murphy goal came with :55 left with Moore adding his with :06 remaining.
End of First, 5-3 Maryland
A wild second quarter had a combined 10 goals.
Maryland began to show their dominance.
Another quick strike, this one from Anthony DeMaio (2g, 4a) converting a Logan Wisnsuskas feed at 14:19, got it to 6-3.
Just twelve seconds ticked off before Shellenberger was on the receiving end of a pretty feed from Moore.
Eric Malevar (2g,1a) got it to a 7-4 game
1:23 later, Xander Dickson (2g,1a) closed the gap to two goals, 7-5.
The Dickson goal caught the attention of the Maryland attackers who proceeded to strut their stuff
A four goal outburst furnished by, Khan setting up Logan Wisnauskas (3g,2a), Donville collecting his 17th, Khan back to work for Brett Makar (1g) and DeMaio assisting on Murphy’s 11th.
It started after the Dickson goal so, only fitting that Dickson ended it with his 15th.
Maryland had the final say with Wisnauskas converting a DeMaio feed to close the electrifying first half with Maryland in charge, 12-6.
30 Down 30 To Go
Griffin Schutz (1g, 1a) with yet another quick strike. This time, Virginia did the honors at 13:39.
The Terps would unfurl another run, this one of three, thanks to Murphy hitting his 12th on the advantage, DeMaio (9th) set up by Kyle Long, and finally, Khan.
The Cavaliers kept battling with Payton Cormier getting his first of two.
Moore closed the third with his 14th.
End of Third, 15-9 Maryland.
As wild as the second was, the final quarter was a bit more. This time it was 11 goals,
Things started well for Virginia with Cormier (23) from Shellenberger and Shellenberger getting his 28th at 11:29.
The pair of goals got it within four. Could the Cavs pull it off?
The answer was a resounding, “NO”.
How bad was the day for Virginia?
For the first time since 2020, Matt Rahill scored. Big deal right? The goal was from 60 yards!. Albeit into an empty net.
Khan on the man up, got it to 18-11.
Patrick McIntosh (1g) pulled it to within six with an advantage tally with 6:48 to play.
Maryland put five exclamation points on the contest with a final flurry
Malevar, Puglise, Donville, Wisnauskas and finally, Daniel Maltz (1g) closed the curtain and the disagreement on who is the #1.
“There is no question who the number one team in the country is right now,. John Tillman, his staff [and] his team proved it from the opening whistle throughout the four quarters.” Virginia Coach, Lars Tiffany.
Game Within a Game
The quartet of Khan , Wisnauskas, Murphy and Donville accounted for 13 goals and 20 points.
• Shots were 53-34 for Maryland.
• Shots on heavily leaned the Terps way, 38-21.
• Turnovers we’re Virginia 17- Maryland 13.
• Ground Balls again leaned the Maryland way, 40-34.
• Face offs were a big back story. Maryland”s Luke Wireman went 24-36 with 7 of 9 on the first and scooping 13 ground balls.
• Extra Man Opportunities: Virginia 1 for 1, Maryland 2 of 3.
• The 23 goals is the Maryland has scored against Virginia since 1976.
• Wisnauskas uncorked his 12th multi-goal game.
• To point out the Maryland dominance this season, they have scored 128 times (18.29 per game) while limiting opposing goals to 68 (9.71). Keep in mind, this was the fourth ranked team they have faced.
Brett Makar had never scored an NCAA goal and was mobbed by team mates after his unexpected goal
“When [defensemen like Brett Makar] score, it’s definitely a big [lift], “It gets everyone going, everyone definitely feels confident. Everyone’s super excited for those guys when they get that done.” 5th year player, Anthony DeMaio.
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
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