Loyola coach Mark Mettrick guided his men’s soccer team on a surprising run to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season.
This fall, the Greyhounds have started 5-0 and soared to a No. 17 national ranking entering yesterday’s match against William & Mary.
But Mettrick said his players have maintained a similar approach to defending their Metro Atlantic Athletic Association title this season.
“It’s always very nice to be ranked nationally — our guys should be proud,” he said. “But we just want to be playing well and make the NCAA Tournament. I don’t want to put any ceilings on it, but you can always have a go when you reach the tournament.”
The Greyhounds are trying to build on last year’s success when they hosted a first-round NCAA Tournament game, beating Liberty, 2-0, before falling in penalty kicks to Maryland in College Park.
Loyola is led by junior forward Jamie Darvill, who has three goals and three assists. The team also is paced by junior goalie Milos Kocic, the reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Week, who has a .917 save percentage and has allowed just two goals this season.
Towson field hockey
The Tigers won their first five games by a combined score of 19-3 before stumbling against Longwood, 3-2, on Sunday in Farmville, Va.
Towson is led by senior forward Christina Boarman, who has nine goals and three assists. Her 21 points — goals count for two points — are third nationally. Senior midfielder Stephanie Kisic also has provided a boost with a team-high six assists and a goal.
Towson (5-1) hosts West Chester (3-2) on Friday afternoon at 4 at Stevenson University Field.
The Tigers finished 8-11 last season after losing in the quarterfinals of the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament.
“I think we are playing more as a team and everyone is on board,” Coach Michelle Webber said. “They knew not to look at preseason rankings and to show everyone they are a good team.”
Morgan State volleyball
Freshman outside hitter Erin Cox was named to the Georgetown Classic All-Tournament Team for her performance last weekend. The former Poly standout finished the two-day tournament with 23 kills, 27 digs, three assists and three service aces in four matches. Cox leads the team in kills (2.22) and digs (1.7) per game.
The Bears (1-10) travel to Greenville, N.C., for the East Carolina Tournament on Friday and Saturday.
