5 Reasons Why The Maryland Vs Syracuse Lacrosse Rivalry Is The Hottest In College Sports Right Now
The Maryland vs. Syracuse lacrosse rivalry is not just a game; it is a clash of titans representing the pinnacle of college lacrosse. This historic matchup has been recently re-energized by two high-stakes contests in the 2025 season, reaffirming its status as one of the sport's most compelling rivalries. The most recent, and arguably most significant, was the men's 2025 NCAA Tournament National Semifinal on May 24, 2025, a game that saw the Maryland Terrapins dominate the Syracuse Orange to advance to the national championship game. The intensity of this rivalry, spanning nearly a century, ensures that every time these two powerhouse programs meet, the college lacrosse world stops to watch.
This article dives into the history, the latest scores, the key players, and the underlying reasons why the Maryland-Syracuse battle—a true test of ACC vs. Big Ten supremacy—remains the gold standard in the sport, leading right up to the highly anticipated rematch scheduled for the 2026 season.
The 2025 Showdown: Men's NCAA Semifinal and Women's Season Opener
The 2025 season delivered two critical matchups that perfectly encapsulated the high-stakes nature of the Maryland vs. Syracuse lacrosse rivalry, one on the men's side and one on the women's side.
Men's NCAA National Semifinal: Maryland Dominates in Foxborough
The most recent and decisive chapter of the men's rivalry took place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This game was the ultimate prize: a spot in the NCAA DI Men's Lacrosse Championship game.
- Final Score: Maryland 14, Syracuse 8
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
- Context: No. 2 Maryland, representing the Big Ten, delivered a dominant performance against No. 6 Syracuse, the ACC power. The Terrapins used a massive first-half outburst, including a significant run of goals, to establish a lead that the Orange could not overcome.
Key Player Performances:
For the Terrapins, attackman Eric Spanos was the offensive catalyst, leading all scorers with four goals. Defender AJ Larkin, a Long Stick Midfielder who earned a spot on the 2025 NCAA All-Tournament Team, was crucial in scooping up ground balls and transitioning the ball. Goalie Logan McNaney, an All-Big Ten first teamer, was a wall, making 14 saves against the potent Syracuse offense.
Syracuse's scoring efforts were led by Michael Leo and Finn Thomson, who each netted two goals. Other contributors included Luke Rhoa, Sam English, Owen Hiltz, and John Mullen. Despite the efforts of star player Joey Spallina, the Orange's NCAA Tournament run was halted by Maryland’s defensive pressure and goalkeeping excellence.
Women's Season Opener: Orange Takes the Early Win
In contrast to the men's tournament result, the women's teams kicked off their 2025 campaign with a decisive victory for the Orange. The game, played on February 15, 2025, was the season opener for the Terps.
- Final Score: Syracuse 15, Maryland 9
- Venue: Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex, College Park, MD.
- Context: No. 6 Syracuse defeated No. 7 Maryland in the Terps’ home opener. This victory broke a long-standing trend of Maryland dominance in the series, handing the Terps a one-game losing streak to the Orange.
This result sets up a thrilling future for the women's rivalry, especially considering Maryland’s previous overtime victory (9-8) over Syracuse, where Hannah Leubecker scored the game-winner, showing the razor-thin margin between these two elite programs.
A Rivalry Forged in Decades of Championship Pedigree
The intensity of the Maryland vs. Syracuse lacrosse rivalry is built on a foundation of historical success. Both schools are unequivocally considered lacrosse powerhouses, consistently competing for the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship and the women's equivalent.
The Men's Historical Series: A Recent Shift in Dominance
The men's rivalry history dates back to the first matchup in 1927. While Syracuse has historically been a dominant force in college lacrosse, Maryland has recently asserted its control over the series.
- Overall Men's Record: Maryland leads the all-time series 13-6.
- Recent Trend: The Terrapins have won the last five consecutive matchups against the Orange, a streak that includes the crucial 2025 NCAA Semifinal win.
- Notable Wins: Maryland’s largest margin of victory was a staggering 24-4 win on April 5, 1956.
This recent dominance by Maryland adds a layer of curiosity and urgency for Syracuse. The Orange, with their history of national titles, are desperate to snap this losing streak and re-establish their superiority against a major conference rival.
The Women's Historical Series: A Terrapin Legacy
The women's series has been dominated by the Maryland Terrapins, who boast a remarkable record against Syracuse, though the 2025 opener suggests the gap is closing.
- Overall Women's Record: Maryland leads the all-time series 21-4.
- Longest Win Streak: Maryland once held an 11-game winning streak against the Orange.
- Current Status: Syracuse’s 2025 victory ended a long stretch of Maryland success, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in the rivalry's dynamic.
The Future of the Rivalry: A 2026 Rematch is Set
Lacrosse fans will not have to wait long for the next installment of this epic battle. The 2026 season promises another high-stakes clash between the men's teams, serving as a direct rematch of the 2025 NCAA Semifinal.
- Upcoming Men's Game: The Syracuse Orange are scheduled to host the Maryland Terrapins in the 2026 season.
- Venue: The game will be played at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y., giving the Orange a significant home-field advantage.
- Significance: This non-conference game is a crucial early-season benchmark for both teams and will carry the weight of the previous NCAA Tournament elimination.
The 2026 matchup, a battle between the ACC and Big Ten heavyweights, is already circled on every college lacrosse enthusiast's calendar. It offers Syracuse an immediate chance for revenge and Maryland an opportunity to solidify its current reign over one of its fiercest competitors. The blend of deep history, recent lopsided scores, and the highest-stakes tournament play ensures that the Maryland vs. Syracuse lacrosse rivalry will continue to be the most compelling narrative in the sport for years to come.
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