Terrapins trounce No. 6 Tar Heels

North Carolina goalkeeper Kristen Hordy hit her stick against the ground in frustration.

Fifteen seconds later — after another Maryland goal — Hordy once again slammed her stick into turf.

Hordy’s exasperation epitomized Saturday’s game for the Tar Heels as they fell to the Terrapins 14-7 at Henry Stadium.

“I’m pissed,” Hordy said. “They just played so much better than we did.”

Although the No. 6 Tar Heels (11-4, 2-2 in the ACC) jumped to an early 2-1 lead in the first half, it would be the only time they would hold the advantage. The No. 9 Terps went on a seven-goal scoring streak to close the first half 8-2.

“I don’t think we played a good team defensive game (Saturday),” said UNC coach Jenny Levy. “We were trying to rely on the one-on-one, and that’s not really what this defense is all about.”

WOMEN'S LACROSSE Maryland 14 UNC 7

Maryland’s ability to win draw controls in the first half contributed to its offensive success as it won eight, compared to UNC’s three. The two Terrapin goals that came within 15 seconds of each other were scored on consecutive draw controls won by Maryland (8-6, 2-2).

But after the Terps scored another quick goal after the half, the Tar Heel offense woke up. UNC sophomore Christina Juras fired a shot into the upper-right corner of the goal to spark a four-goal Tar Heel run to bring the game to 9-6.

“If you win draw controls, you’re going to have the momentum of the game,” said senior Allison Higgins.

“We came out after half time wanting the draw controls, and we got them. And that just really helped our team gain confidence to get the ball in the back of net.”

All four of those UNC goals came within three minutes of each other, but as quickly as the Tar Heels gained momentum, they lost it. Maryland’s Delia Cox scored her third goal of the game to halt North Carolina’s run.

The Tar Heels only managed one more goal in the second half, and it came from Juras, who led the team with four goals. Attacker Higgins stood behind the net and fired a pass to Juras, who rocketed a shot into the goal to put the game at 10-7.

“We didn’t play our game today, but Maryland definitely took advantage of that and played very well,” Higgins said.

UNC also had problems clearing the ball upfield against Maryland as they only got the ball safely to the other end 14 times out of 22 attempts.

It is the worst defeat of the season for the Tar Heels, who previously lost two games by one goal and one game by six.

The loss also means the Tar Heels finish fourth in the ACC and now must compete in a play-in game in the ACC Tournament.

“The ACC Tournament is up for grabs,” Higgins said. “Whoever improves their play and plays consistently throughout the next two weeks will come out.”

Contact the Sports Editor at sports@unc.edu.