The Terps will be in action Friday in the NCAA Tournament opening round.
While Maryland women’s lacrosse has its attention focused on Friday’s NCAA Tournament opening round game against Fairfield, three players couldn’t help but notice their names revealed on the USA Lacrosse All-American Award list announced Thursday.
Kori Edmondson — who was named a preseason second-team All-American — surpassed those expectations with a first-team honor. The Tewaaraton Award Nominee has shattered her career-highs in nearly every statistical category.
Edmondson has been the Terps’ do-it-all player, posting 54 goals, 68 draw controls, 34 ground balls, 17 caused turnovers and 11 assists. Head coach Cathy Reese has raved about the midfielder’s impact both on the field and mentoring the new players off the field, calling Edmondson “the best midfielder in the nation.”
Reese’s remarks were on par with USA Lacrosse’s list.
Freshmen usually take time adjusting to the collegiate level, but for Kayla Gilmore, that has been far from the case. Gilmore was named an All-American honorable mention, particularly for her integral role in Maryland’s faceoff unit. She has posted a team-high 73 draw controls while contributing 14 goals and nine assists.
Neve O’Ferrall has been an anchor in the Terps’ defense, earning her an All-American honorable mention. O’Ferrall has helped shut down some of the top attackers in the nation, holding Northwestern attacker Madison Taylor to just four goals in the two meetings. O’Ferrall has also corralled 30 ground balls and forced 23 turnovers.
The honors mark the 45th consecutive year with Terps featured on the All-American list — an impressive feat alone. However, Maryland’s eyes remain set on a deep run in postseason play.