On February 14, 2024, the No. 6 Maryland women’s lacrosse team delivered a commanding performance against No. 12 Virginia, winning 17-9 in front of an audience of 1,478 at SECU Stadium. Graduate student attacker Kristen Shanahan made a significant impact in her new team, contributing one goal and six assists, setting the stage for a dominant win on Valentine’s Day.
Senior midfielder Kori Edmondson led the scoring with four goals, while fellow teammates Jordyn Lipkin, graduate student attacker Keeley Block, and junior attacker Lauren Lapointe each added four points. This victory marked Maryland’s third 2-0 start in the last five years, serving as a strong response to a previous 13-9 loss to Virginia.
Shanahan Shines in Her New Role
Shanahan’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as her six assists were the most by a Maryland player since Eloise Clevenger recorded seven assists in a 16-3 victory over Saint Joseph’s on February 9, 2024. Moreover, her seven points were the highest since Hannah Leubecker achieved the same number in a March 24, 2024, game against Rutgers. “That’s the one thing I want to do, just come out strong every game,” Shanahan said. “So I think coming out and being able to set the tone for all of my teammates is really going to help me and help my teammates the whole season.”
Head Coach Cathy Reese expressed her surprise at Shanahan’s statistics during halftime. “I know she’s capable of all of that, but I had no idea she had six assists until halftime,” Reese noted. “Her poise and leadership out there just have a really calming sense, and she can score, too.”
Shanahan’s journey to Maryland was filled with challenges. She faced significant health setbacks, including two ACL tears and a hip injury during her time at Notre Dame, which sidelined her for crucial parts of her college career. Reflecting on her journey, Shanahan remarked, “If I didn’t tear my second ACL, I would never be here, which is kind of crazy. Injuries suck, but there is a silver lining at the end, and right now, this is my silver lining.”
Team Dynamics and Performance
Shanahan joined Maryland after a successful season with Notre Dame, where she ranked second on her team in both goals and points. Her transfer was motivated by a desire to compete for a national championship, and she believes she has found that opportunity with the Terps. “We have the experience, and we have the depth on the team,” she said. “So it’s exciting.”
Through the first two games of the season, Shanahan leads the team in both assists (seven) and points (10). Her presence has been especially beneficial as junior attacker Maisy Clevenger continues her recovery from an injury. Reese highlighted Shanahan’s calming influence on the field, noting the importance of experience in the team’s offensive strategy.
Shanahan’s contributions were evident from the start, as she assisted on Maryland’s first three goals. She scored her only goal with 3:46 remaining in the first quarter, followed by a flurry of assists in the second quarter that helped Maryland pull away. Junior goalkeeper JJ Suriano made nine saves, while senior defender Neve O’Ferrall recorded four ground balls and three caused turnovers. Additionally, sophomore midfielder Kayla Gilmore controlled seven draws, aiding Maryland’s 18-8 advantage in that category.
For Virginia, junior attacker Madison Alaimo led the scoring with three goals and two assists, while junior attacker Jenna Dinardo added three goals and one assist. However, head coach Sonia LaMonica noted that the game shifted in Maryland’s favor during a critical stretch at the end of the second quarter, where the Terps scored four goals to take a 10-6 lead at halftime. “That obviously was a tough blow going into the half,” LaMonica acknowledged, emphasizing the need for improvement in key areas like draw control and transitioning the momentum.
With this decisive victory, Maryland women’s lacrosse set a strong tone for the season ahead, showcasing both individual talent and cohesive teamwork. As they look to build upon this success, the Terps aim to maintain their momentum and strive for championship aspirations in the coming weeks.
