Maryland suffered from some uncharacteristic turnovers that gave Boston College chances to take the lead as the half ended, but the score remained tied at the break. Despite being outshot 21-12 and losing the draw control battle, Boston College was efficient on its shots and kept pace with Maryland.
Whatever Maryland coach Cathy Reese said at halftime worked, as the Terps stormed out of the break to the tune of five straight goals to seize a 10-5 lead. Steele and Jen Giles both had two goals during the run that helped give Maryland some breathing room.
Then Kent took over and put the Eagles on her back. She had a point on Boston College’s next five goals — a span that saw it score five of six goals to pull within one goal with 14 minutes remaining.
Kent had three goals and two assists during the run.
But Maryland’s offense just kept coming, scoring five of the next six goals to pull away from Boston College late. Four different players scored during the run, including Steele, who tied the record with her sixth goal.
Sam Apuzzo had the next two goals for Boston College, but it was too late for the Eagles to mount a comeback. The Terps shot 73 percent in the second half to drop 11 goals and prevent a Boston College rally.
In defeat, media named Kent the Most Outstanding Player. She scored 10 goals on 14 shots and added six assists and four draw controls in the semifinals and final.
The full all-tournament team:
Julia Collins, Navy, A
Kelly Larkin, Navy, A
Maggie Gallagher, Penn State, M
Katie O’Donnell, Penn State, M
Sam Apuzzo, Boston College, M
Kenzie Kent, Boston College, M
Katie Weeks, Boston College, A
Jen Giles, Maryland, M
Kali Hartshorn, Maryland, M
Caroline Steele, Maryland, A
Zoe Stukenberg, Maryland, M
Most Outstanding Player: Kenzie Kent, Boston College, M