Terps Look to Continue Momentum in 2015 Campaign
2/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – New year, new team. The Maryland women's lacrosse team will look feed off the momentum of a 2014 season that saw the program's 12th national championship, sixth-straight conference title and numerous personal accolades.
“Heading into the 2015 season, we're just excited to start a new year,” said head coach Cathy Reese. “I think it's been a fun fall, a fun preseason. We had a great year last year, but that's behind us now. This is a different year, a different team. We have a lot of new looks, some new faces that'll be in there contributing, from seniors to freshmen. It should be a really fun year.”
The team's mentality is focused on a fresh start, and the Terps will face new challenges as a member of the Big Ten. In the inaugural season of lacrosse for the conference, Maryland will take on No. 5 Northwestern, No. 10 Ohio State, No. 12 Penn State, Rutgers and Michigan. Big Ten programs have won 24 national championships, the most of any conference. Maryland and Northwestern have combined to win 19 national titles, including nine of the last 10.
“We're excited to start a new journey as we transition into the Big Ten,” said Reese. “The conference has some great lacrosse programs. It's something new and different, and we like the fresh looks.”
The Terrapins are coming off a 23-1 record in 2014, which tied a program record for wins in a season. Maryland posted a 6-1 record in conference play and boasted a 10-0 record in College Park.
In the offseason, seniors Megan Douty, Brooke Griffin and Kelly McPartland, all first team All-Americans in 2014, were chosen as the Terps' team captains.
The Terps welcome eight newcomers to the program, including graduate goalkeeper Alex Fitzpatrick, a transfer from Lehigh, and freshman attacker Megan Whittle, who was named the No. 1 player in the class of 2014 by Inside Lacrosse.
ATTACK
The Terps' front line will combine veterans and newcomers as Maryland looks to improve upon the nation's fourth-best scoring offense in 2014.
“We have a lot of depth on offense with a lot of returners,” said Reese. “Each attacker brings something valuable to the table, whether it's dodging, feeding, finishing. We saw a lot of progress in the fall and offseason, and we're looking forward to having some new looks out on the field.”
Senior Brooke Griffin finished last season second on the team with 62 goals and 24 assists and will use her three years of experience as a starter to quarterback the Terps' offense. Freshman Megan Whittle brings shooting and dodging acumen and will be an immediate contributor to the attack.
Seniors Kristen Lamon and Taylor Salandra will serve as impact and veteran players for the Terrapins. Reese will look to Lamon as a finisher while Salandra's explosiveness is an asset for the team.
Sophomores Caroline Wannen and Lindsay Biondi have both worked hard in the offseason, with Wannen showing strength as a feeder with strong stick skills and Biondi improving herself within the 8-meter. The Terps will look to junior Caitlin Crouse, sophomores Bairre Reilly and Theo Kwas and freshman Shelby Scanlin to provide depth on offense. Kwas earned a spot on the Australian National U-19 Team last summer, and has shown impressive growth as a dodger.
MIDFIELD
The Terrapin midfield employs two of the most dynamic players in the country. Senior Kelly McPartland, a first team All-American, and junior Taylor Cummings, the defending Tewaaraton Award winner, return to anchor the midfield. Cummings led the team in 2014 with 63 goals, 87 points, 128 draw controls, 37 ground balls and 30 caused turnovers. McPartland paced the Terrapins in assists with 33 while posting 61 goals.
“We return a really strong midfield this season,” said Reese. “Taylor and Kelly obviously get a lot of attention for their abilities, but we have a lot of depth and talent through the middle.”
Joining Cummings and McPartland in the starting lineup from last season are senior Erin Collins and sophomore Zoe Stukenberg. Collins is the Terrapins' stalwart between the 30s, and Stukenberg, the 2014 ACC Freshman of the Year, sparks the offense.
Junior Bryn Boucher and Mattie Meredith work hard in all zones and will help Maryland in the transition game. Sophomore Deb Milani, Boucher and Meredith could all see reps in the draw circle.
Freshmen Taylor Hensh and Kacie Longo will look to contribute immediately with speed and hustle through the middle.
DEFENSE
The Maryland defense returns all five starters from the 2014 season, led by IWLCA Defender of the Year Megan Douty, who was second on the team with 36 ground balls last season.
“We're expecting a lot from our defense this year,” said Reese. “We're going to play a disciplined, tough, strong defense, and really push for our defense to start our offense.”
Junior Alice Mercer was named a first team preseason All-American and her speed and toughness is a crucial component of the Terps' defense. Seniors Shanna Brady and Casey Pepperman bring experience and feistiness to the backline. Sophomores Nadine Hadnagy and Morgan Torggler are back with a year under their belts, and both are set to provide depth this season with improved play reading.
Juniors Molly Fleming and Annie Lynch and sophomore Alex McKay can work in all parts of the field. Senior Nicole Aust and junior Julie LeGar have become impressive defenders inside the 8-meter. Freshman Steff Holmes will also compete for time in the back.
GOALIES
The Terps return sophomore Emily Kift, who saw time in eight games last season. Graduate Alex Fitzpatrick comes to Maryland after being a three-year starter at Lehigh, where she posted a .500 save percentage in 2014, good for fourth in the nation. Freshman Emma Moss earned all-county and all-conference honors in four years at North Hagerstown High School and an impressive offseason has her in the mix for the Terrapins.
“All our goalies are fighting for the starting spot right now,” said Reese. “The competition is making all three of them better, and with each of them bringing something different to the table, they're challenging our offense as well. I think it's making the team stronger overall.”
