Penn State women's lacrosse vs. Maryland preview

In the midst of a four-game losing streak, Penn State women's lacrosse is searching for answers.

The Nittany Lions are fresh off a 16-7 road loss to a 12th-ranked Princeton team. The win was the Tigers’ fifth consecutive victory after a 13-11 home loss to No. 8 Virginia in their season opener.

Penn State ripped 30 shots compared to 37 from Princeton. The Tigers held a 17-10 edge over the Nittany Lions in draw controls. The blue and white also limited themselves to 18 turnovers, a continued improvement from earlier losses.

Penn State offensive leader Erika Ho was held to only one goal in the loss as Emma Kelly and Brooke Hoss netted two goals each. Lauren Saltz and Ellie Wisch also scored.

With their non-conference slate in the past, Penn State can start fresh as they move into the thick of Big Ten play, and it all starts with No. 9 Maryland on Thursday.

The Terrapins are off to a hot 4-1 start to the season after a season-opening home loss to Syracuse.

Maryland’s most recent win came in an 11-5 road victory over James Madison. Sophomore goalkeeper JJ Suriano stepped up with 13 saves for the Terrapins. The team also took advantage of the Dukes’ free-position woes as James Madison went 1-for-7 on such scoring opportunities.

Junior midfielder Kori Edmondson has been a vital asset for Maryland. She is the team’s leading goalscorer with 15 on the season. Edmondson has been dangerous on free-position opportunities, scoring seven goals on eight shot attempts. In addition, she has been a disruptor on the defensive side, causing six turnovers.

Efficiency in transition has been key to Maryland’s game as the team sports the highest clear percentage in the nation.

Draws have also been a sweet spot as the Terps have the fourteenth highest draw control percentage among D1 programs.

On the Nittany Lions’ side, Ho has continued to be an impressive offensive force. The junior has scored 19 goals and has created possession opportunities for the Nittany Lions with 41 draw controls.

Defensively, preseason first-team All-American Ellie Hollin has wreaked havoc with 11 caused turnovers.

The Nittany Lions have also made some recent changes in goal as senior Ashley Bowen has made some starts in place of sophomore Sydney Manning. The two have split time throughout the season.

Penn State has struggled to snap opposing scoring runs. The team allowed two four-goal runs from Princeton. Finding a defensive rhythm will be crucial for the blue and white against a top-10 Terrapins team.

Penn State beat a fourth-ranked Maryland team on the road late last season in a 12-11 upset. The Terrapins outshot Penn State 36-23 and won the draw battle 14-11, but a gritty performance proved to be enough for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State will need more of last year’s grit in order to stun the Terrapins.

Isaac Hallock is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email idh5055@psu.edu