Maryland preview
Today's entry is the sixth of a week-long series taking a look at each of the seven Division I programs in this state according to their order of finish from last season. Tune in Thursday for a preview of Johns Hopkins, and The Sun’s lacrosse preview is slated to be published on Friday, Feb. 12. Today is Maryland’s turn.
Overview: The Terps entered the 2009 season with lofty expectations and the addition of former Notre Dame attackman Will Yeatman only heightened the fervor. Maryland captured the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season crown, but lost to North Carolina in the ACC Tournament and fell to eventual national champion Syracuse the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. Perhaps not unsurprisingly, expectations are slightly lower, which might suit the young Terps just fine.
Reason for optimism: A solid defense that returns two starters in junior Max and Brett Schmidt (not related) and senior goalie Brian Phipps, a Severn graduate, gets a huge shot in the arm from junior long-stick midfielder Brian Farrell (Boys’ Latin), who played just three games last season before suffering rib and lung injuries. Farrell is a physical, quick defender who is a catalyst in the transition game. "I think his return is a boost to the defense, but more importantly, it’s a boost to the offense," coach Dave Cottle said. "I think he’s going to score double-digit goals this year. … He helps us in transition, he’s very poised with the ball, and he’s a great passer. I think he’ll help us tremendously."
Reason for pessimism: After a first midfield line of Dan Groot, Jeremy Sieverts and Jeff Reynolds, the Terps struggled to get further production from their second and third lines. Groot, Sieverts and Reynolds are gone, which doesn’t bode well for the offense, but Cottle said senior Adam Sear, junior and former Towson transfer Eric Boyle and sophomore Jake Bernhardt have played well together. Juniors Grant Catalino and Ryan Young could move from the attack, and redshirt freshman Owen Blye could contribute. "I think we are going to be a lot deeper," Cottle said. "The question is, do we have an All-American middie? That’s the challenge. If we can develop an All-American middie or two with our attack and the Schmidts [defense], we’re pretty good at the other positions."
Keep an eye on: Everyone is more than familiar with Maryland’s Big Four of Catalino, Young, Yeatman and junior Travis Reed (Boys’ Latin), but Cottle has been impressed with the play of sophomore Joe Cummings (Loyola). Cummings’ speed and stick skills should mesh well with the other attackmen. "The best player in our practices in the fall was Joe Cummings," Cottle said. "I thought he was just outstanding. … He’s a guy we’ve got to get on the field a little more."
What he said: On dealing with lower expectations and a lower preseason ranking, Cottle said, "It’s obvious we’re picking things up quicker. We’re smarter, and we’re a team that is much further along than we were at this time last year. That’s because of our experience."
