CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CB19 SPORTS)-- The storied rivalry between UVA and Maryland returns to Charlottesville as the top ranked and undefeated UVA men's lacrosse team hosts the no. 3 Terps for the first time in 10 years. 

Though Maryland hasn't played at Klöckner Stadium since 2013 the 'Hoos and Terps have seen plenty of each other since then. The last five meetings between the two teams have been at neutral sites, including four NCAA Tournament games. Finally this long standing rivalry returns home, bringing a lot of anticipation and hype with it.

"I almost hate to admit it but there was a little bit more focus in the film room, there was more focus in practice early in the week," explained head coach Lars Tiffany, "I hate to admit that because you want to make every game, no matter if it's Southwest Alaska State or Maryland. You want to have the same preparation, but yeah I'll admit it's a little sharper a little more focused."

Together UVA and Maryland have claimed four of the last five NCAA titles. Last year it was Maryland who reigned supreme as John Tillman's squad knocked out UVA in the NCAA semifinals on their way to their 47th national championship title. Lars Tiffany said there was a lot to be learned from that loss. The Terps' 18-0 season raised the bar for UVA men's lacrosse and lacrosse around the country, Tiffany said.

Now it is UVA with a win streak to defend. The 'Hoos are 6-0 on the season, riding a 13 game home win streak they established in 2021. Maryland is 4-2 on the season now with losses to Loyola and Notre Dame. The Terps graduated a lot of the fire power from the 2022 squad, now relying on true freshman goalie Brian Ruppel. Records, win streaks and personnel aside, both Lars Tiffany and players agree that Saturday's match up will be special.

"I think it's going to be special day and the hype around it has been there but like coach said you try to stay neutral," said senior midfielder Grayson Sallade, "This is why you come to Virginia. This is why you decide to come to Charlottesville and play the best of the best almost every week. It's kind of why you play the game."

Opening faceoff is set for 2 p.m. at Klöckner Stadium, coverage is on ACC Network