No. 3-seed Maryland men’s lacrosse can’t mount comeback, loses 8-6 to No. 2-seed Penn State in Big Ten semifinals

He was just getting started. With nine minutes left in the second quarter, Aquino easily beat long-stick midfielder Trevor Owens and fired his shot into the far post. Aquino finished with a game-high three goals.

Maryland’s defense kept it in the game, down 3-1 at halftime. Quick stickwork from the Terps jarred the ball loose, forcing the Nittany Lions into 11 first-half turnovers. Even when Penn State attackers got free from their matchups, Maryland’s helpside defense slid well to shut down shooting lanes.

Penn State’s offense entered Thursday’s game averaging 13 goals per game, but the Terps held it to just three first-half scores — its second-fewest of the season. Still, the defense could only do so much, especially with the transition game also struggling.

The Terps have found difficulty clearing the ball at points this season, often opting to heave it down the field. But Penn State’s 10-man ride presented a unique challenge, and Maryland couldn’t find an answer. The Terps failed two clears in the first half, the latter leading to Penn State’s third score.

But Leo Johnson attempted to single-handedly will Maryland back from its two-goal deficit. The Terps’ leading scorer snapped their 29-minute scoring drought early in the second half. Stobaugh spotted Johnson unmarked on the left wing, and he immediately rifled it into the far post.

Johnson added one later in the third quarter from nearly the exact same spot to match Aquino’s third score. But his efforts weren’t enough.

Three things to know

1. Brian Ruppel struggles. Ruppel has endured some shaky moments in his senior season. While he managed double-digit saves in seven of the final nine games leading into the semifinal matchup, Thursday’s contest was a return to early-season struggles. Ruppel tied his career-low with five saves and only managed a 38.5% save percentage.

2. Possessions squandered. The Terps forced a season-high 19 turnovers, granting them extra offensive opportunities. Maryland couldn’t capitalize, though. The Terps’ inconsistent attack only fired 14 of their 32 shots on goal. Outside of Spanos and Johnson, the Terps’ supporting cast only contributed two goals.

3. NCAA tournament in doubt. For the first time in John Tillman’s tenure in College Park, the Terps are in jeopardy of missing the tournament. The Terps’ lack of quality wins coupled with six losses leaves them in a precarious situation heading into Selection Sunday. Maryland will likely need some help from other teams to hear its name called.