Terps Kick Off Season at Triton Invitational
2/5/2010 7:00:00 AM | Water Polo
Feb. 5, 2010
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Terps are hoping to make a splash as the women's water polo team kicks off its season at the Triton Invitational this weekend in San Diego, Calif.
"We're excited to get the season started," says Maryland head coach Carl Salyer. "We've had a great preseason."
With the loss of nine seniors, the Terps are hitting the waters with a refreshingly youthful squad.
"We have a really strong sophomore class and a good group of freshmen," Salyer said. "We're really looking at a new team this year, though we have a good core coming back."
Senior captain Shannon Simerly, one of two returning starters, is a familiar face who is setting the bar for the team.
"Shannon Simerly has taken her game to a new level," Salyer said.
Simerly is among the Terps all-time leading scorers, ranking tied for third all-time in career goals (139) and fourth in points (165).
Sophomore Elina Goldenberg, who had a team-high 55 goals last season, is also expected to be an offensive force, along with juniors Allison Beck and Meghan Powers, as well as sophomore Carly Hoshko, the third leading-returning point producer.
Callan Rowe, Christine Goetsch and Alexandra Gurnee were also key contributors last season.
Hard work was infectious as the team prepared for the upcoming tournament.
"The team has been practicing at a high level," Salyer said.
Although the team consists of only five upper classmen, Salyer see's the positives in that roster breakdown.
"We have a great combination of young guns and some veterans stepping up. I think that's a real good combination," Salyer said.
Sixteen teams from all over the country are scheduled to compete in the UC-San Diego pool this weekend.
Maryland, ranked No. 20 in this week's CWPA poll, is scheduled to face University of California - Davis early at 12:20 p.m. ET Saturday. The Terps will play one more game Saturday afternoon and two on Sunday.
Click here to check on results for the Triton Invitational.
