No. 2 Maryland (4-0) and No. 1 Notre Dame (3-0) will meet in a heavyweight bout on Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium, in what serves as both a rematch of last year’s NCAA Championship and a battle for early-season supremacy. The game, airing at 1 PM ET on ACC Network, features two of the most successful programs in all of college lacrosse, both looking to make a statement in the national title race.
Unbeaten Records on the Line
Maryland enters the contest riding a wave of momentum after victories over ranked opponents in three consecutive weeks, including then-No. 2 Syracuse (11-7) and then-No. 5 Princeton (13-9). The Terrapins’ defensive unit has been dominant, holding all four of their opponents to single-digit scoring—something they last accomplished in their undefeated 2022 national championship season. Logan McNaney continues to anchor Maryland’s defense in goal, while Eric Spanos and Matthew Keegan have led the offensive charge. The faceoff duo of Shea Keethler and Sean Creter has kept the Terps in control at the X, winning a combined .600 of their draws.
Notre Dame, however, boasts the nation’s most explosive offense, averaging 19.0 goals per game, the highest mark in Division I lacrosse. Chris Kavanagh, the reigning NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, has been at the center of the Irish attack, tallying 17 points (9G, 8A) through three games. The Irish defense, led by Shawn Lyght, Ben Ramsey, and Will Donovan, has yet to allow an opponent to score more than nine goals this season, despite losing key starters in the offseason. Faceoff specialist Will Lynch, Notre Dame’s all-time leader in ground balls, has continued his strong play, winning 62% of his draws.
A Historic Rivalry Renewed
The all-time series between these two lacrosse powerhouses is deadlocked at 9-9, with Notre Dame winning the last three meetings, including a 15-5 blowout in the 2024 NCAA Championship. Before that, Maryland had taken four straight in the rivalry. Six of the last nine matchups have been decided by two goals or fewer, a testament to the high level of competition between these programs.
Beyond the rivalry, this matchup carries significant weight for NCAA Tournament seeding. Maryland’s suffocating defense will be put to the test against Notre Dame’s relentless offensive attack, while the battle at the faceoff X could prove decisive. The Terps’ ability to control possessions will be critical in slowing down Kavanagh and company.
Key Matchups to Watch
Chris Kavanagh vs. Maryland’s Defense
Kavanagh has emerged as one of the most dynamic scorers in the country, with a proven track record of delivering in big games. After scoring six goals in last year’s national championship game, Maryland’s defensive unit, led by Colin Burlace and McNaney, will need to limit his opportunities and force Notre Dame to find secondary scoring options. If Maryland can neutralize Kavanagh’s impact, it will greatly increase its chances of securing a victory.
Faceoff Battle: Will Lynch vs. Maryland’s Duo
Notre Dame has enjoyed a significant edge in faceoffs behind the dominant play of Will Lynch, who has won 62% of his draws this season. Maryland’s combination of Shea Keethler and Sean Creter must step up to ensure the Terps maintain possession and prevent the Irish from overwhelming them in transition opportunities.
Maryland’s Offense vs. Notre Dame’s Defense
Maryland’s balanced scoring approach, featuring Spanos, Keegan, and Braden Erksa, has kept opposing defenses on their heels. The Terps will need to continue their efficiency on offense against a Notre Dame defense that has yet to allow an opponent to reach double digits in scoring this season.
For Maryland, this is a chance to reclaim control of the series and hand Notre Dame its first loss since last season. For Notre Dame, it’s an opportunity to further cement itself as the team to beat in college lacrosse. With two undefeated teams, elite talent on both sides of the field, and major postseason implications, expect an intense, physical battle in Atlanta.
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