1. One key to a Towson win: The Tigers are still trying to find some chemistry on offense, which is a work in progress until sophomore attackman Matt Lamon returns from an emergency appendectomy. But the defense has not fared well in losses to No. 17 Bucknell and No. 13 Stony Brook, surrendering 27 goals and 74 shots. The close defense unit of seniors Joe Wascavage and David Edens and sophomore Marc Ingerman and senior long-stick midfielder Cameron Zook has got to funnel opposing shooters to low-percentage angles and give senior goalkeeper Rob Wheeler a chance. The defense will have its hands full with a Terps offense that features junior attackmen Grant Catalino (eight goals and seven assists) and Ryan Young (2, 7).

2. One key to a Maryland win: The Terps have been getting the kind of production from their first midfield line that coach Dave Cottle had been hoping for. But the most surprising aspect of the season thus far has been the number of contributions from the second and third lines. The second unit of sophomores Drew Snider (3, 0) and Michael Shakespeare (1, 0) and freshman John Haus (2, 1) and the third line of juniors Warren Hansen (1, 0) and Eric Boyle (0, 0) and freshman Owen Blye (0, 0) have given the first unit some valuable minutes to catch their breath and the attack some much-needed support. They need to keep that up on Saturday.

3. One key match-up: Senior midfielder Will Harrington leads Towson in scoring with seven points on six goals and one assist and is the best initiator from the midfield. He will likely draw the attention of junior long-stick midfielder Brian Farrell, who leads Maryland in groundballs (15) and caused turnovers (9). Which former Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association standout (Harrington played for Friends, Farrell for Boys’ Latin) will get the upper hand?