Maryland Falls to Cornell for NCAA Title

Cornell defeated the Maryland men's lacrosse team, 13-10, on Memorial Day in a 2022 NCAA championship game rematch.

Before 32,512 fans in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., the Big Red captured their first title since 1977, while the Terps came up short in the championship game for the second year in a row.

The Terps finished the 2025 season, their 100th as a varsity program, with a 14-4 record, after making their 18th championship game appearance. Head coach John Tillman brought the Terps to the title game in nine of his 15 seasons at the helm; the team last won the title three years ago, 9-7 over Cornell, completing a perfect 18-0 season.

"Hurting for my guys, because I love my guys. They're just such good guys, good people. They've been so selfless, worked so hard, couldn't ask for a better group to not only represent our program, but represent our school on and off the field,” he said. “I'm grateful for all they've done this year. I'm disappointed for them, obviously kicking myself trying to figure out how I could have been better to help them. But again, hats off to Cornell, very worthy champions."

No. 2-seeded and No. 4-ranked Maryland trailed No. 1-seeded and No. 1-ranked Cornell (18-1) by as many as three goals at five separate points, including 10-7 with 13:42 left to play. The Terps rallied to bring the game within one goal with 9:23 to play, but Cornell replenished a three-goal advantage twice after that to secure the win.

Terps Eric Spanos (two goals and two assists), Braden Erksa (two goals), Zach Whittier (two goals), Bryce Ford, Daniel Kelly, Jack Schultz and Elijah Stobaugh all scored goals. Spanos racked up 13 in this year’s tournament run, the second-most by a Terp, while Erksa scored a goal in every game this season.

Goalie Logan McNaney finished the game with 11 saves, his 16th time this season making double-digit saves. Jonah Carrier (11 wins) and Shea Keethler (four wins) led the Terps from the faceoff dot. As a team, Maryland won 15 of 27 faceoffs. Carrier led the Terps with five ground balls.

Eric Kolar caused a career-high tying three turnovers defensively. Kelly and McNaney were also credited with causing turnovers. Despite the loss, Maryland held Cornell below its goal-scoring average. The Big Red entered the contest ranking first nationally in goals (15.9) per game.

"You just wish it was more you could have done, but game's over," Kolar said. "And frankly, they played the better game today. It's just tough that it's over. We love each other so much. There's so much pride in that locker room. Nobody's gonna go out with their head down. Everybody gave it their all this year."

Long-stick midfielder AJ Larkin added an assist, recording a point in back-to-back games for the first time. Aidan Aitken also recorded an assist.

Will Schaller, McNaney, Spanos and Larkin were named to the All-Tournament Team. Cornell's CJ Kirst was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, scoring a game-high six goals.

This was Maryland's 47th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and its NCAA-best 22nd straight appearance. Under Tillman, the Terps have made every tournament since 2011.