Phipps holding up well for Maryland
Friday’s edition of The Sun included an article on the friendship between Navy senior midfielder Patrick Moran and Maryland senior goalkeeper Brian Phipps, who played on the same youth lacrosse and high school teams.
In his first season as the full-time starter since his freshman year, Phipps has played well for the No. 5 Terps (6-2), ranking 17th in Division I in goals-against average (8.93) and 25th in save percentage (.533).
While those numbers might not jump out at you, consider that Phipps is just 10 months removed from undergoing surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate liagment in his left knee. Phipps said there have been no lingering effects from the injury.
“It’s fine,” he said. “It’s nothing different. Everything feels good. The knee’s fine. Structurally, it’s 100 percent.”
Phipps has posted four games of 10 saves or more this season, and his performances against then-No. 6 Duke (15 saves in an 11-10 overtime win on March 6) and No. 1 Virginia (16 saves in an 11-10 loss last Saturday) are two of the top five of his career.
Phipps was especially good against the Cavaliers, making eight saves and keeping Maryland within arm’s reach of Virginia.
“I think he saw some big-time shots against Virginia, and he got peppered,” coach Dave Cottle said.” But I thought it was a case of where the senior kept fighting. His play was a real positive Saturday night. … I think he’s built to do this thing.”
Phipps had rotated with Jason Carter in the net for the previous two seasons, but with Carter having graduated after last season, Phipps has been the undisputed starter.
Phipps denied feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by the almost-daily demands of being the starter in practice and games.
“As an athlete and competitor, you go into every game thinking that you’re going to play and do your best and do whatever you can to help your team,” he said. “So hopefully, I’ve helped a lot and hopefully, we can keep on winning in the future.”
