Setting the stage for the showdown

This year's matchup between the Terps and Tar Heels is about far more than just another regular season battle.

Terps had won the last four meetings until the final four meeting last year.

In last year’s final four game the Terps trailed 5-7 in the second half and rallied to tie the game at 7. But The Tarheels answered the terps tying goal about a minute later to take an 8-7 lead they would never relinquish.

The Terps had a chance to tie the game and thought they had when Caityln McFadden seemingly scored a goal. But a crese violation wiped it off the board and the Tar Heels were able to kill the remaining time.

UNC’s defense made the difference. They disrupted the Terps offense, held them to just 22 shots and UNC goal keeper Ripley made several incredible saves.

While the Terps will likely have revenge on their mind, they did soundly beat UNC in their regular season matchup.

In the regular season meeting the first half was very close and a 5-5 tie, but the Terps would go on to outscore the Tar Heels 8-3 in the second half to win 13-8