The defending NCAA Champion Terps hosted the Richmond Spiders for both teams' season opening game on Saturday, 2/4/23. Maryland was ranked #1 and Richmond was #19 in the Nike/USILA pre-season poll. Maryland backed up the ranking with a decisive 15-4 win, including a 13-1 lead after 3 quarters.

Maryland's defense was predictably smothering and physical. Logan McNaney was strong in the net and leading the clears. Solid face-off work and a good showing on offense that featured some new guys in new roles led to the runaway win.

Despite the score, Richmond wasn't without some good plays of their own. Goalie Zach Vigue made some big saves including a point blank stuff. The Spiders were relentless on the ride, earning some turnovers and riding goals. The ride proved to be their biggest offensive weapon in the game. They also created enough offense to make the Maryland goalies earn their saves.

I was frustrated to have missed some good clips. This includes Richmond's first goal, while I was having focus problems. I actually included a short, out of focus clip of it, just so it wouldn't seem ridiculous that I have all these Maryland goals and didn't even show the single goal of the Spiders' first 3 quarters.

I also had a beautiful angle on a goal Owen Murphy (I think) scored. I was in the direct shooting line, zoomed in nicely as he used his defender as a screen to tuck it in the goal. When I watched it, I thought it was the best clip I had gotten so far. Then I saw I wasn't recording. Dang it!!! That ticked me off.

The day before the game was FRIGID with freezing winds. It was brutal. I didn't know how they were going to even get the game in outdoors with the weather reports calling for 18-20 degree real-feel temps during game time. But the sun was shining and winds were tame for most of the game. Of course the sun was shining on the side of the field opposite the bench where we camera people and much of the crowd was watching and soaking up any warmth the sun provided. The teams' benches were in the shade and the guys were all wearing shorts. Even with some sideline heaters, they had to be feeling it.

I figured the tailgate after the game would be brief and understated, due to the weather, which was becoming increasing colder. I was wrong. The Maryland families went big, as usual, including bringing firepits. Richmond looked to have a nice tailgate going on as well, though I was hanging with the Maryland peeps.

All in all, it was a good start to the season. I'm excited to catch some more top-notch lacrosse and see how both teams fare throughout the season.

- JP

Notes: Shot w. Sony FX3 camera with 100-400mm GM lens in 4K 120fps. Also used Sony A74 with Sony 24-105 G lens for some pre-game, post game and tailgate footage as well as some stills. This was done in 1080HD so I could keep the frame rate at 120fps.