“UNC is the only thing we’re thinking about right now,” said the junior, a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy. “We’re not getting to the finals if we’re not thinking 100 percent about UNC.”

Keeping Maryland grounded is the task of third-year coach Kathy Reese.

“We’re never over confident,” said Reese. “We graduated eight starters from last year. We’re fielding a new team. We took things one game at a time.”

There’s no arguing with Reese’s approach. As a former All-American at Maryland, who played for four straight NCAA championship teams (1995-98), and served as a Terps assistant for three more title seasons (1999-2001), Reese knows what it takes.

Reese has rebuilt a Maryland program that has not played in a title game since 2001, or been to the Final Four since 2003. How bright is the Terps’ future? Reese starts two freshmen, five sophomores, and no seniors.

Stressing ball movement, Maryland has thrived with an athletic attack. No other team in the Final Four has three women with at least 30 assists. No other team can boast seven players with at least 35 points.

The emphasis on ball movement has made a sudden star of freshman finisher Karri Ellen Johnson (70 goals), who is scoring at an even higher rate than she did at Broadneck High in Annapolis.

“I never expected this,” said Johnson. “The team was so welcoming. That I could come in and be accepted so quickly, was awesome.”

Johnson credits the varying skills of feeders McFadden (54 goals, 31 assists), Sarah Mollison (42 goals, 39 assists) and Brandi Jones (28 goals, 32 assists).

“Our offense is so dynamic. Anyone can go. The defense can’t take out any one person,” said Johnson. “The [feeders] all have great vision. [Mollison] takes command. Brandi places the ball really well. And Caitlyn does everything.”

Final Four Capsules

Northwestern (21-0)

History » The reigning powerhouse of women’s lacrosse has won four straight NCAA championships, defeating Virginia in 2005 and 2007, Dartmouth in 2006, and Pennsylvania last year at Johnny Unitas Stadium.

Superstar » Last year’s Tewaaraton Trophy winner and a finalist again this year, Hannah Nielsen, is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Nielsen, from Adelaide, Australia, leads the nation in points (134) and assists (75). Earlier this year, she became the NCAA’s all-time leader in assists, passing countryman Jen Adams, who led Maryland to four straight NCAA titles (1998-2001). 

Top players » Junior Katrina Dowd (67 G, 11 A, 32 GB), 6-foot-2 junior Danielle Spencer (57 G, 18 A), and senior Hilary Bowen (49 G, 11 A) are the primary beneficiaries of Nielsen’s playmaking artistry. Senior Morgan Lathrop was goalie of the year in the American Lacrosse Conference.

Local to watch » Sophomore Brittany Wilbon (Georgetown Day), niece of “Pardon The Interruption” co-star Michael Wilbon, is a reserve attack.

Pennsylvania (15-2)

History » With a win over Duke in the semifinals, Penn advanced to the title game for the first time last year, where it fell to Northwestern, 10-6.

Matchup » Defensive-minded Penn, which leads the nation in goals against (5.8 per game), held Northwestern to its lowest output this season in losing, 11-9, on Apr. 25. The Quakers led at the half, 6-5, but NU won 7 of 10 draws in the second half and dominated possession, holding Penn to five shots.

Top players » Junior Emma Spiro (31 G, 31 GB, 49 DC), the Ivy co-player of the year, is one of the top positional defenders in the sport. Freshman Erin Brennan (26 G, 17 A) was Ivy rookie of the year. Senior Hilary Renna leads the defense. Juniors Ali DeLuca (36 G, 14 A, 18 CT) and Courtney Lubbe (26 G, 16 A) fortify the offense.

North Carolina (15-4)

History » With a 16-10 win over Notre Dame, UNC reached Final Four after four straight unsuccessful trips to quarterfinals. This is Carolina’s fourth trip to semifinals. Tar Heels have never played in title game.

Top players » Senior Amber Falcone (50 ground balls, 30 caused turnovers), is the only defender among five Tewaaraton Trophy finalists. Juniors Kristen Taylor (36 goals, 13 assists), Jenn Russell (35 G, 9 A, 29 CT), and Megan Boscia (33 G, 19 A) lead the offense. In her first year as starter, junior goalie Logan Ripley was All-ACC.

Locals to watch » Sophomore Mia Hurrin (St. Stephen’s/SA) has started all 19 games, playing a key role on the UNC defense. Freshman Lucy Hayes (Holton-Arms) and sophomore Dana McCreary (Holton-Arms) are reserves.

Maryland (21-0)

History » Maryland won a record seven straight NCAA championships (1995-2001), and played in 14 title games in a span of 18 years (1984-2001). But the Terps haven’t been in the finals since.

Top players » Junior Caitlyn McFadden (54 G, 31 A), a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, can do it all. Sophomore playmakers Sarah Mollison (42 G, 39 A) and Brandi Jones (28 G, 32 A) feed finishers Karri Ellen Johnson (70 G, 12 A, 69 DC), a freshman who hit 63.1 percent of her shots, and Laura Merrifield (45 G, 2 A). Freshman Brittany Dipper has been strong in goal.

Locals to watch » All but 10 of the Terps’ 31 players are from talent-rich Maryland.

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