Piscataway, NJ – April 5, 2025
The Maryland Terrapins entered SHI Stadium on Saturday night with momentum and a top-2 ranking, but the Rutgers Scarlet Knights had other plans. In a gritty Big Ten clash, Rutgers upset the visiting Terps 8–6, grinding out a statement win on their home turf.
Sloppy Start, Spirited Finish
Maryland (8–2, 1–2 Big Ten) opened the game with an early goal from Daniel Kelly off a slick feed by Zach Whittier, looking poised to control the pace. But Rutgers (6–6, 2–1 Big Ten) responded with a physical edge and timely execution that swung momentum their way. The first quarter ended in a flurry, with RU netting goals in the final 90 seconds—including a buzzer-beater from Colin Kurdyla to take a 4–1 lead.
Despite multiple efforts by the Terps to claw back, Rutgers’ defense—and especially goalie Dante Kulas—stood tall. Kulas notched 14 saves, stifling several key Maryland possessions late in the game. Logan McNaney did his part in cage for Maryland with 7 saves, but the Terps struggled at the faceoff X and couldn’t generate the sustained runs they needed.
Zeller Leads the Way
Colin Zeller paced the Scarlet Knights with a hat trick, scoring in bunches and causing problems for Maryland’s defense throughout the night. The senior attacker’s presence was felt in transition and settled offense, showing poise and confidence in key moments. He got solid support from Duke Richman, JJ Aiello, and Cardin Stoller, with midfielder Haydn Sommer quarterbacking the offense with a game-high three assists.
Missed Opportunities for Maryland
The Terps had their chances, outshooting Rutgers 31–28 and going 23-for-26 on clears, but they struggled with turnovers (25 total) and couldn’t capitalize on extra-man opportunities (just 1-of-3). Faceoffs were a pain point too—Rutgers won 14 of 21 draws, helping them control the tempo.
Eric Spanos and Braden Erksa each tallied two goals for Maryland, but the Terps lacked their usual sharpness. Zach Whittier finished with 1 goal and 2 assists, while Jack Schultz and Jonah Carrier added helpers.
Big Ten Implications
The loss drops Maryland to 1–2 in conference play, putting them in a tricky spot with Ohio State and Penn State still looming. Rutgers, meanwhile, moves to 2–1 in the Big Ten and adds a potential résumé-booster for postseason hopes.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t the cleanest or flashiest game, but it was Big Ten lacrosse at its grittiest. Rutgers played with fire, focus, and physicality—earning a signature win that may help turn their season around. The Terps have talent, but the margin for error is razor-thin in a league this deep.
