MM 9.23: Former Terps lead Whipsnakes to inaugural Premier Lacrosse League Championship

The inaugural season of the Premier Lacrosse League reached its end Saturday, and 17 former Terps were crowned champions (20 are on the full roster).

The Maryland-led Whipsnakes, the No. 2 seed in the PLL playoffs, faced off against the No. 4-seeded Redwoods. The latter overcame a 9-2 deficit to take an 11-10 lead late in the fourth quarter, but Matt Rambo’s clutch goal sent the game into overtime.

And in the extra period, the 2017 Tewaaraton Award winner delivered the championship-clinching goal to give the Whipsnakes the first title in PLL history.

As expected, the 25-year-old Rambo won Championship MVP for his performance. He finished with a game-high six points, racking up a trio of goals and assists.

It was more of the same for Rambo, who finished atop the points leaderboard for the 2019 season with 42 — 19 goals and 23 assists — to be named the league MVP.

“The MVP trophies, that’s individual awards,” Rambo told media after the game. “But I can’t win my individual awards without my boys. They put me in the best spots, they get open for me. I couldn’t do it without them. Being the first ever PLL champion is something special, especially in my hometown. It couldn’t be any more special.”

It was an all-around team effort for the Whipsnakes, who received goals from seven different players — all of which played for Maryland. Among the other standouts were a trio of former Terps in John Haus, Mike Chanenchuk and Connor Kelly, who combined for five goals and nine points. Kyle Bernlohr was also terrific in net, saving 16 shots for a 61.5 save percentage.

In other news

Want more inside info on Rambo and the Whipsnakes? Check out our most recent ouTTakes podcast featuring the MVP and fellow former Terp Michael Ehrhardt.

Maryland men’s soccer was overrun by Northwestern at Ludwig Field, falling 3-1 to the Wildcats.

For the second straight week, Maryland volleyball posted a 2-1 record in a nonconference tournament, this time knocking off Kennesaw State and Appalachian State in the Gamecock Invitational.

Maryland field hockey continued its dominance in its first Big Ten match of the year, downing No. 24 Penn State, 3-1.

Maryland women’s soccer had an up-and-down weekend, being shutout by Wisconsin on Friday night before rebounding with a 2-0 victory over Minnesota.

Maryland football was ranked just two weeks ago, but now, the Terps are on the outside looking in. The same can’t be said for Penn State.

And the Terps seemed to enjoy the bye week, with minds set on a big game ahead.

Mike Locksley and Co. used the bye week to catch up on some 2021 recruiting.

Maryland men’s basketball freshman Makhel Mitchell is ready to make his mark in College Park.

The WNBA Finals are right around the corner, and a pair of former Terps — Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones — have earned a bid with the Connecticut Sun.

Take a look inside a Maryland women’s basketball practice with a mic’d up Karen Blair.

Former Terp and recent NFL retiree Torrey Smith made an appearance at the Baltimore Orioles’ Sunday game.

Maryland women’s lacrosse head coach Cathy Reese was also at the game to throw out the first pitch.

Former Maryland men’s basketball player Dez Wells is lighting up the Philippine Basketball Association.

Week 3 of the NFL is all but wrapped up, with only the Monday Night Football game still to be played. A pair of former Terps made some big plays on Sunday.