COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland men's lacrosse team took part in Media Day Friday at XFINITY Center, featuring head coach John Tillman and returning all-american defender Matt Dunn.
Entering his sixth season at the helm for the Terrapins, Tillman is looking forward to building on a program that has advanced to four NCAA Final Fours in his five seasons as head coach.
“We're fired up to get the season started as we play one of the toughest schedules we have had in some time,” Tillman said. “It's going to be a challenge, but we have a great group of young men that have been working hard on and off the field. They have been very unselfish and fully committed to reaching their full potential. We couldn't be more excited to get on the field again.”
The Terps led the nation in scoring defense in 2015, allowing just 7.05 goals per game, and lost just one player from last year's starting defensive corps.
“In our opinion there's a standard around here defensively that we always aspire to live up to and it's something that will remain a priority for us,” Tillman said. “Coach Conry has put a great system in place and we have all the parts – now it's about attention to detail, intensity and communication.”
The Terps return 4-of-6 starters on the offensive side of the ball, including junior attackman Matt Rambo. Rambo totaled 59 points on 40 goals and 19 assists last season, becoming the first Terrapin since 2004 (Joe Walters) to post 40 goals in a single-season.
“Coach Reppert has done a great job on the offensive end and we have a lot of pieces back so that is always nice to have,” Tillman said. “The experience and chemistry of our returners will play a big factor for us and it's nice to see some of our guys grow into leadership roles.”
Maryland had a strong showing in the recent Major League Lacrosse draft, as a record six Terrapins were selected in the first 19 picks. Among those selections was the seventh overall pick Dunn, who credited the coaching staff with the team's development.
“We have a lot of players who maybe weren't viewed as professionals early in their career, but the coaching we have received has allowed us to develop into better players,” Dunn said. “It's very exciting and it's a testament to the coaching staff that has brought out the best in each of us.”
The Terrapins open the 2016 campaign Saturday, Feb. 13 as they host Navy at 1 p.m. at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium.
– Maryland –
