Women's Lacrosse Final Four

What: NCAA semifinals, women's lacrosse.

When: Friday.

Where: Johnny Unitas Stadium in Towson, Md.

TV: CBS College Sports.

No. 1 Maryland (20-1) vs. unseeded Syracuse (15-6), 5:30 p.m.

Coaches: Maryland, Cathy Reese (fourth season, 75-9); Syracuse, Gary Gait (third season, 47-14).

The skinny: Maryland defeated Syracuse, 12-10, in last year's national quarterfinals, then lost to North Carolina in a semifinal. The Terrapins' nine titles are the most by any team. Their only loss this season came at North Carolina, 10-4, on April 10. Among the Maryland players are Jenny Collins (North Penn), Colleen Dawson (West Chester East), goalie Brittany Dipper (Kingsway), and defenders Katie Gallagher (Camden Catholic) and Kristin McAfee (Moorestown). Syracuse is only the second unseeded team to make the semifinals since the top eight teams began being seeded in 2005. Jackie DePetris (Archbishop Carroll) and Michelle Tumolo (Clearview Regional), and defender Heather Wentz (West Chester Unionville), are members of the Orange.

No.3 North Carolina (17-2) vs. No.2 Northwestern (19-1), 8 p.m.

Coaches: North Carolina, Jenny Levy (16th season, 194-81); Northwestern, Kelly Almonte Hiller (ninth season, 134-24).

The skinny: Northwestern routed North Carolina, 21-7, in last year's title game to claim its fifth straight championship. But the last time the teams met, on April 18 at Northwestern, the Tar Heels handed the Wildcats their only loss of the season, 18-16, ending Northwestern's 41-game winning streak as North Carolina became the first team to win on the Wildcats' home field in 60 games. Among the Tar Heels are defenders Taylor Chumney (Moorestown), Beth Ellis (Radnor), and Beth Ellis (Bryn Mawr). Northwestern, which went undefeated last season, is led by '09 Final Four MVP Katrina Dowd. Her 42 goals in NCAA Tournament play are a record. Mid-fielder Colleen Magarity (Germantown Academy) plays for the Wildcats.

- Kevin Tatum
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