Maryland Men's Lacrosse Surge Past Buckeyes, Set Sights on Rivalry vs. Johns Hopkins

henrylilienfeld
Apr 17
2 min read

Maryland men’s lacrosse needed a spark – and Logan McNaney delivered it with a moment 41 years in the making.

In a 13-8 road win over No. 2 Ohio State last Saturday, the graduate goalie not only led the Terps with 10 saves but etched his name into the program’s record books, surpassing Kevin O’Leary’s long-standing all-time saves record. It was a vintage performance from a player who’s weathered injuries, championships, and setbacks.

“It’s a pretty special thing,” head coach John Tillman said after the win. “We’re going to miss him when he’s gone.”

McNaney’s presence was the difference-maker against an Ohio State team riding high as the Big Ten’s most explosive offense. With stops in critical moments – including a point-blank save that marked his 706th career stop – McNaney helped the Terps shut down Buckeyes star Alex Marinier and sparked a defensive stand that allowed Maryland to go on a decisive seven-goal run.

On the offensive end, midfielders Bryce Ford and Matthew Keegan each recorded hat tricks, while veteran Daniel Kelly opened the game with a score and assisted on another to notch his 100th career point – a milestone matched by only 62 others in Maryland history.

The statement win over the Buckeyes marked Maryland’s third victory over a top-10 opponent this season and reignited momentum heading into the most emotionally charged matchup on the college lacrosse schedule: The Rivalry.

This Friday, the Terps return home for the 119th edition of their fierce in-state battle with Johns Hopkins. More than just bragging rights are on the line – tournament seeding and potential home-field advantages hang in the balance.

Hopkins comes into SECU Stadium battered and bruised, both figuratively and literally. The Blue Jays have dropped six of their last eight games and remain winless in Big Ten play, largely due to key injuries to star attacker Russell Melendez and veteran goalkeeper Luke Staudt. Their absence has hampered an already struggling offense, which is averaging just 7.5 goals per game in conference action.

Still, rivalry games rarely follow the script. Hopkins remains dangerous at the faceoff X, where Logan Callahan ranks top-five nationally in wins. And if either Melendez or Staudt makes a surprise return, the game could shift quickly.

For Maryland, the keys remain the same: win faceoffs, let McNaney command the defense, and have trust in the balanced scoring that showed up against Ohio State. Players like Ford, Keegan, Spanos, and Kelly will need to continue spreading the wealth and pressuring a Hopkins team that’s struggled to close gaps once behind.

A win Friday would solidify a top-four Big Ten Tournament seed for Maryland and potentially keep them at home for the postseason’s opening round. More importantly, it would be another chapter of triumph in a rivalry that never fails to deliver.

Under the lights. At home. With history and playoff stakes on the line – Maryland wouldn’t want it any other way.

By: Henry Lilienfeld

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