A powerful offensive unit has helped the University of Maryland women's lacrosse team to an undefeated record and the No. 1 spot in the national polls, released April 17. The Terps are second in the nation in scoring, averaging 16.9 goals per game.
But the Maryland defense has also been responsible for its lofty ranking, and the leader of that unit has emerged as one of the nation's best goalkeepers. Sophomore netminder Megan Taylor, who leads all Division I goalkeepers with a .573 save percentage, will be an important player in Maryland's quest for its fourth NCAA title during the last eight years.
Taylor, who has earned the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Week award five times during the 2017 season, is a major reason for the Terps' continuing success. During her second season as Maryland's starting goalkeeper, Taylor has held opponents to 8.5 goals per game.
