Non-Revenue Round-Up: One Lacrosse Team Struggles, One Shines

Oh, non-revenue sports. Not everyone loves them, but they're all we have right now, so why not try to appreciate them properly?

You probably know about Terps men's lacrosse, which dropped their last two games - granted, on controversial calls against the two best teams in the country. It could be a lot worse - they're still one of the best teams in the country, without a doubt - but it could probably be better, too. They return to action this Saturday at noon against Navy, a hated rival that checks in at 26th in the nation - not exactly an imposing team. Hopefully they get a nice rebound W.

As for the other side of the gender spectrum, Lady Terps lacrosse couldn't really be going much better. They're undefeated with the most recent victory coming against #6 ranked Penn. I'm happy about any Maryland team that's #2 in the nation and hasn't lost yet. To make it sweeter, they get a shot at revenge on Saturday when they play #3 North Carolina, the team that knocked them out of the semis in last year's NCAAT.

The next most important non-revenue sport is baseball, and let's just say things could be better on that front. Erik Bakich will build a winner quickly, I don't have any doubt, but this isn't the year. They stand at 3-9 in the ACC and 12-19 overall, not exactly a threat to the conference leaders. Their last game was a 20-9 loss to West Virginia, allowing nine runs in the ninth. Now, if memory serves, WVU is a pretty good baseball school, so it's not awful, but it's still nothing to be proud of. For the record, many of West Virginia's runs came against pitchers that aren't even pitchers, like senior outfielder Mike Rozak. I don't really know if that makes it better or worse.

It's unfair to expect Terps baseball to be good this year, though. Bakich was only hired last offseason, and has shown every indication that the program is headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, though, recruits have to wait until the graduate HS to join the program.

Oh, wait, one thing is going really well: competitive cheer! As someone who's sister takes part in a similar program at a different college, I actually understand this somewhat, and I do know that Maryland has a kick-ass cheer team. They're currently 2nd in the country at the national cheer competition (meet?).

Our job here is done.