No. 3-seed Maryland women’s lacrosse will face No. 2-seed North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament semifinal. Maryland is looking to down the defending champions and earn their first title game berth since 2019.
Terps Aim for Spotless Performances
Maryland has posted one of the best records in collegiate lacrosse this season and earned a trip to Evanston, Illinois. Head coach Cathy Reese believes there’s still room for improvement.
“We have not played a perfect game,” Reese said after Maryland’s 14-10 quarterfinal win over Navy. “I mean, sometimes we don’t even play two good quarters.”
The Terps will have to put together two nearly-spotless performances against the nation’s premier programs if they want to win a title. Their journey begins against North Carolina. The former ACC foes haven’t faced off since 2020.
Levy’s Legacy and Tar Heels’ Talent
Jenny Levy has spent the last 31 years building the North Carolina women’s lacrosse program from scratch. Levy is the only coach in team history. She stands as the second-winningist woken’s lacrosse coach of all time and has led the Tar Heels to eight ACC titles.
North Carolina captured its fourth national title in 2025, capping off a perfect 22-0 season. They were an overtime goal away from going undefeated through championship weekend again this season. The Tar Heels were spearheaded by a young, high-powered core, many of whom remain on the team heading into the semifinals.
Key Players for North Carolina
Chloe Humphrey, a sophomore attacker, earned the 2025 Tewaaraton Award. The attacker leads the nation with 5.37 goals per game and 148 points. She also boasts a team-high 21 caused turnovers and 46 assists. Maryland gave up six goals to Navy’s lead attacker, Alyssa Chung, in their quarterfinal bout.
Addison Patillo is a sophomore attacker. She has logged 69 points in 2026 — including 59 goals — despite serving in a supporting role. Patillo also displays some of the best stickwork on North Carolina’s roster, with her 19 turnovers the fewest among the starting attackers.
Eliza Osburn, a sophomore midfielder, has been a balanced asset for the Tar Heels. Osburn has notched 48 points this season while also delivering 39 draw controls, 24 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers.
Semifinal Details
Friday’s semifinal bout will take place at Martin Stadium at 3 p.m., airing on ESPNU.
Much of the Tar Heels’ ability to take over offensively comes from its innate ability to secure possession.