Offensive woes hinder Maryland men’s lacrosse in 8-6 loss to Penn State

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Maryland men’s lacrosse had life with 2:40 remaining in the fourth quarter.

But down by a goal, the Terps secured just one possession that did not come until 34 seconds left.

The limited offense was emblematic of Maryland’s struggles at SHI Stadium on Thursday as it tied a season-low six goals in an 8-6 to Penn State. Maryland’s goal total marks the second consecutive contest in which the Terps scored just six goals against the Nittany Lions.

“Six goals. That's just not going to win a lot of games,” coach John Tillman said. “When we struggle, we just haven't put the ball in the back of the net.”

The last time No. 3-seeded Maryland played No. 2-seeded Penn State, the Nittany Lions picked apart the Terps’ defense. Penn State (8-5) scored seven times in the first 18:46, forcing Maryland into a zone defense for the rest of the game.

But Maryland’s man defense greatly improved on Thursday.

The Terps (7-6) were tenacious, using active sticks to consistently knock down passes and force 10 first-half turnovers. But the Terps’ defensive success did not translate into offense.

“[When] you play a team a second time there's a little bit more familiarity with what they do,” Tillman said. “Those guys were pretty organized, they rotated well and … we got the defensive effort we needed. Just needed to get a few more goals.”

Maryland scored just 2:11 into the game on a cross-body shot from Eric Spanos. Its next goal did not come until the third quarter — marking the third time in the past five games Maryland was shut out in a quarter. Part of the Terps' struggles came on clears as the Nittany Lions forced several turnovers in transition.

The problems were exemplified on the Nittany Lions’ third goal as midfielder Thomas Gravino spun into a triage of defenders near midfield. Less than 10 seconds later, attacker Hunter Aquino buried his second goal of the game and the lone score of the quarter.

In the first meeting between Penn State and Maryland, last season’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year was out with a lower-body injury. With Aquino healthy for Thursday’s contest, he was noticeable.

The sophomore struggled against Maryland last season, notching just three points in two games. While Aquino did not get a plethora of opportunities, he was efficient, notching three goals on five shots.

When Maryland did have possession it often failed to generate good looks due to a lack of separation on dodges. The lack of separation often forced Maryland deep into the shotclock, forcing the Terps settled for several long distance shots.

“A lot of times when we initiated our dodges, we unfortunately dodged really close, and they were able to get their hands on us,” Tillman said. “[Penn State] does a nice job of kind of funneling you. So didn't do a great job of creating leverage.”

The loss is significant now for Maryland’s NCAA tournament hopes. The Terps have made the NCAA tournament for 22 consecutive years and the loss now jeopardizes their chances of securing a playoff spot.