The sixth-ranked Florida lacrosse team fought to the end against the No. 2 Maryland Terrapins, but fell 17-12 on Thursday night at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Lindsey Ronbeck led the way on the offensive front for the Gators, putting up eight goals on the night. Her eight goals tied her career-best, as is tied for the most goals in a game by a Florida player in program history. Grace Haus added a hat trick of her own, while Sydney Pirreca pitched in one goal and two assists. Hannah Mardiney had a career-best day, dishing out four assists – all to Ronbeck. The Gators' defense caused seven Maryland turnovers, led by two from Sabrina Cristodero. Senior goalkeeper Haley Hicklen recorded 16 saves in the cage against the Terps, tying her career-best mark. Those 16 saves tied her for the most in Florida program history (Mikey Meagher – 407). How It Happened Maryland got out to the early 5-0 lead over the Gators in the first half of the game before a goal by Haus put UF on the board. Florida then piled together a string of three goals by Haus, Pirreca and Ronbeck to bring the game within one at 5-4. The Terps extended their lead with less than 10 minutes in the half, going up 7-4 before Ronbeck scored on an assist from Sydney Pirreca to cut the deficit to two going into the half. The Gators brought the game to within one at the start of the second frame on a goal by Ronbeck, but Maryland went on a six-goal run to take the 13-6 lead with 22:53 remaining in the game. Ronbeck was able to continue her hot streak throughout the rest of the second though, recording four more goals to cut the deficit to five at 17-12, but the squad was unable to close the gap further. The Gators are back in action on Saturday for an exhibition game with Scotland at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Opening draw is set for 1 p.m. Records No. 6 Florida (1-1, 0-0) No. 2 Maryland (2-0, 0-0) Notables Haley Hicklen recorded 16 saves during the game, tying her for the all-time program record (Mikey Meagher – 407) Lindsey Ronbeck crept closer to the 200-goal mark on Thursday evening, posting a career-high eight goals to bring her career total to 166 The eight goals ties the record for most in a game by a Florida player The Gators drop to 33-5 in night games O'Leary's Insight "When you start slow out of the blocks against a team like this, it is pretty hard to claw your way back, but I am really proud of the team for their resilience. Maryland is a great team and they are very well coached – fun for us to play against and it's a good opportunity for us to learn. We will get back and look at some film and see what we need to be better on." Full interview with Amanda O'Leary Up Next Florida faces the Scotland National Team in an exhibition game on Saturday Opening draw is set for 1 p.m.