After starting with a 7-1 record this spring, No. 14 Rutgers men’s lacrosse likely saw its season come to an end on Saturday in a 14-11 loss to No. 7 Maryland in the Big Ten Quarterfinals. The defending national champions continue to get the best of the Scarlet Knights. They’ve now lost five of its last six games. Injuries and inconsistent play held RU back a year removed from making the program’s first ever Final Four appearance.
The Terps jumped out to a 4-1 lead before both teams traded goals the rest of the first half. Rutgers cut it to a two goal lead four different times before Maryland scored a back breaking goal with under a minute to play to head into halftime with an 8-5 lead. The Scarlet Knights were unable to recover as they allowed three straight goals in the second half before Knobloch stopped the 4-0 run to make it 11-6 Maryland early in the fourth quarter. Credit RU for going down fighting after scoring the final four goals of the game after trailing 14-7 midway through the final frame.
Possession was an issue as Rutgers only won 7 of 27 faceoffs in the game.
Jack Aimone led the way with a team high five points including a career high four goals. Shane Knobloch had three goals while Ross Scott dished out four assists.
Ethan Rall had two caused turnovers, breaking the program record with 85 for his career and passing Nick Contino for the all-time lead. The All-American spoke after the loss likely for the last time in his storied Rutgers career.
“It was tough,” Rall said. “Give Maryland credit where it’s due, we weren’t buttoned up enough. I’m super proud of this group. The last few years have been awesome. Being named captain here is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The guys in the locker room, how much we bond over the years is special. I’ve made lifelong friendships and being with these guys, that’s what you live for and the moments you won’t forget.”
Brian Cameron’s lone goal clinched his team lead with 26 for the season. He only played 11 games this spring and was a major factor in Rutgers struggling down the stretch. Ross Scott finished with a team 42 points and was tied for second with 25 goals along with Dante Kulas and Jack Aimone.
With an RPI ranking of No. 15, Rutgers is likely on the wrong side of the NCAA Tournament bubble after two straight trips. Brian Brecht’s team continued to play hard all season, but fell short in the end. Still, there is a very strong core to work with and established winning culture to give confidence this program will rebound quickly.
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