May 2, 2003

Maryland senior defensive midfielder Brett Harper is one of the nation's premier long-stick midfielders. He has been a three-year starter and is serving as a captain this season. This week Brett writes about the Terps' win over No. 5 Georgetown that all but secured No. 4 Maryland a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Brett also writes about his upcoming trip home to the Midwest as the Terps face Notre Dame this Saturday in Indiana.

By Brett Harper

May 2, 2003 - The win against Georgetown (9-5) Monday night was monumental for a team that needed some confidence. I think we are on the right track to making a run at the NCAA title in May. Our defense was dominating as they held the Hoyas to just five goals on 43 shots. It was an ugly but physical game with 18 penalties and countless turnovers, but a win is a win.

The Georgetown game was also a huge day for junior defenseman Lee Zink. Lee is an incredible defenseman that does not get the notoriety that he should due to plethora of talent on our defensive front. Not only did he score his first goal and cause five turnovers, Zink was also responsible for sparking the defense as a whole, including my level of enthusiasm.

Lee does not get too much credit for what he brings to our defense, so I am making it public knowledge that Lee Zink represents exactly what Maryland lacrosse is all about. I am proud as a senior captain to have him on my defensive unit. I just hope I don't jinx him.

Heading home
This week, we take our first trip to Notre Dame for a fight with the Irish. This is a pseudo-homecoming for Gavin Webb and me, both proud Columbus, Ohio natives. Although Notre Dame is hours northwest of our homeland, we will embrace the brighter skies and greener grass of the Midwest. There will be a rather large coalition of Terps supporters coming to Notre Dame. I look forward to seeing red in the stands, in a land where green is the color of choice.

The Notre Dame game will be special for me because many of my supporters will be in attendance. There should be a rather large gathering of supporters on my behalf (there are roughly 28 members of the unofficial Harper Fan Club). Grandpa and Grandma Rutherford will be coming to their first college game, and almost all of my girlfriend's family will also be in attendance. My girlfriend is also carting up her friends from Miami of Ohio to see the game.

But, focusing our attention on the Notre Dame game will be key for our team. We need another win to build our confidence and help us gain a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. I expect the trip to be fun, although there will be a business-like mentality in the air. Father Bill, our University Priest once told me that the University of Maryland has more Catholics than does Notre Dame. So we've got that going for us ... which is nice.

As not to look past Notre Dame, the NCAA Tournament looms in our near future. If we can secure a top four seed, we will be right where we need to be. Last year, when we did not make the playoffs, it was a kick in the stomach. That feeling of failure is something I never want to experience again. Hopefully this year we won't spend the month of May by the pool, but rather will be making our run at the title. Sunday night we will meet our fate, and then our second season will commence...