A look back at one of the most impressive runs of all time, in any sport: the women's lacrosse empire Kelly Amonte Hiller built by the lake.
Usually those within an empire do not recognize the fall of it until well after its collapse. But sometimes, the end is clear. And after a 17-5 thrashing at the hands of Maryland Sunday, it's clearer than ever: Northwestern lacrosse's decade of dominance has come to an end. The streak of 10-straight Final Four appearances has been snapped.
The emperor no longer reigns.
While we knew going into the season that this was going to be a bit of a rebuilding year with such a young team, and we knew going into the Elite Eight that beating Maryland would be tough, this has the feel of the end of an era – like Pop and Duncan's Spurs losing in the first round to the Clippers.