Maryland Charm Playoff-Bound After 21-17 Win Over Boston Guard

The Maryland Charm knew that they could solidify their spot in the postseason if they beat the Boston Guard on Friday at Fairfield. The Charm put on a championship-caliber offensive performance, defeating the Boston Guard 21-17 to clinch.

Maryland will await the result of the Aug. 8 regular-season finale between Boston and California to determine its championship opponent. California and New York remain in championship contention, but the Palms have the inside track. The Charging, who wrapped up their regular season at 2-2, can only advance if California loses to Boston by at least nine goals.

Here are the details of the game that extended the Charm's season.

DIEZ FOR DUFFY

Brigid Duffy scored seven goals and recorded three assists to deliver 10 of the 21 Charm's points in their win — the most prolific individual and team performance in the WLL's inaugural season.

A rookie out of Army West Point, Duffy finished her collegiate career as the No. 3 scorer in Division I as a senior. She was the third overall pick of the WLL draft.

Duffy has made a seamless transition to pro play, as she is tied with Boston’s Rachel Clark and fellow teammate Ashley Humphrey for the league lead in points (20).

HISTORIC HIGH

The WLL had never seen a 20-pointer before. That is until the Charm hit 21 total goals on Friday. The offense couldn’t be stopped. Duffy was the MVP for the Charm, but Ashley Humphrey also had a day in her home state with three goals and four assists. Sydni Black added five goals and two assists, Sam Apuzzo scored two goals and notched four assists, and Ally Kennedy tallied four goals and two assists.

GUARD AND ‘CATS

Maddie Epke went 26-for-40 at the draw circle for the Guard. For Epke, the game was a homecoming, as she is a native of Guilford, Connecticut. It was also announced last week that the Northwestern lacrosse star is going to use her last year of eligibility to play field hockey for the Wildcats. Pro lacrosse player now joining the defending national champs in a different sport? Bring it on.

RACHEL CLARK SHOUTOUT

The Charm outscored the Guard in every quarter they played except the third. The reason for that is Rachel Clark. She had herself a night with nine goals and two assists, making her the player with the most goals in the WLL. Of the points she recorded on Friday, four came in the third quarter. In the third quarter, Boston outscored Maryland 6-3.

Boston is officially out of championship contention with the loss to Maryland. The Guard can play spoiler against the Palms on Aug. 8. California is currently in first place but could get bumped.

In the meantime, many players representing all WLL teams will be heading to Tokyo to compete in the World Lacrosse Women's Championship.