After a disappointing loss to Ohio State in five sets, Maryland’s focus switched to Michigan on Sunday, trying to break its losing streak.

The Terps fell to the Wolverines in a 3-0 sweep, losing by at least seven points in every set.

Maryland coach Adam Hughes started the match with an unusual lineup, keeping senior Ajack Malual on the bench.

“That was the first time we tried to see what we started out with,” said coach Hughes, adjusting the starting lineup to match Michigan’s offensive proficiency. “It didn’t go as planned.”

The first set started with a big Michigan defense, as they continuously blocked Maryland’s offensive attempts.

Michigan’s success continued as graduate student Allison Jacobs recorded two kills, putting Maryland in an early five-point deficit.

Maryland decided to substitute some of its usual starters, such as Malual and freshman Lilly Wagner, to kickstart its offense.

After exchanging a few points, junior Haley Melby took over, scoring three kills in a row.

The Wolverines’ defense quickly put the run to rest, and back-to-back service aces from Michigan’s Morgan Burke kept their lead safe and safely closed out the first set. 

Early mistakes and communication errors plagued Maryland early in the second set, putting itself in an early five-point hole once again. More well-placed kills by the Wolverines flooded the Terps. Maryland’s offense was riddled with attacking errors, sending them into the largest deficit of the night — 11 points. 

“I thought that was kind of the gist of the day,” said coach Hughes. “We had some opportunities on perfect passes and near misses, hit a ball out by a couple inches, and that puts more pressure on you to pass even better.”

Despite some late kills by Malual, Maryland couldn’t put together any momentum. The offensive attempts were there, but Michigan’s defensive prowess was evident.

The set ended with a 5-0 run for Michigan, as Michigan needed on more set to clinch the victory. 

Serena Nyambio looked to keep the pace up for the Wolverines, collecting two early kills in the third set.

Maryland sophomore Katie Scherer and Melby tried to turn things around, securing kills to show some life. But a multitude of offensive errors by the Terps offset any progress.

Maryland didn’t roll over yet, as a late 4-0 run — their longest run of the afternoon with two kills from Melby — gave them a pulse. 

The Wolverine offense left no doors open, shutting down any chance of a comeback, ending the set with a 5-2 run, winning 25-15.

After a disappointing weekend in College Park, Maryland will face four consecutive ranked opponents, a bad sign for a team desperate for a win.