There aren?t many other stretches like this for any team in college lacrosse. It?s almost unfair.
Tenth-ranked Maryland plays No. 12 North Carolina, No. 5 Virginia, No. 4 Navy and No. 3 Johns Hopkins over the next three weeks, starting with the Tar Heels (6-2), who visit College Park for a noon face-off today.
“That?s what makes this game so important,” Terps coach Dave Cottle said of today?s matchup. “We need to get this game.”
The Terps (5-2), enter the contest on a four-game winning streak, having defeated Mount St. Mary?s, 18-3, Tuesday. But don?t expect that type of scoring output against these next four foes, even if Maryland?s offense is starting to find a rhythm.
“The great part about it is, we have these games coming up. They?re tremendous opportunities,” Cottle said, pointing to the NCAA tournament at the end of the season.
Now isn?t the time for the Terps to get caught looking ahead. North Carolina will be ready for today?s game.
“I think they?re a team that?s just gotten another year older, more experienced,” Cottle said. “They?re very charismatic on offense, solid on defense.”
Cottle also pointed out a solid year from North Carolina?s second-year goalie, Grant Zimmerman, who is allowing just 8.76 goals per game.
The Terps have an interesting situation of their own in the crease, where incumbent starter Harry Alford (shoulder surgery) has yielded the first part of the season to freshman Michael Phipps. Alford returned to practice this week.
“We?re just going to see how it works through,” Cottle said.
Whoever is in goal will face plenty of action. Cottle conceded that North Carolina would likely out-shoot the Terps today. The Tar Heels have taken 349 shots on the season, versus the 241 they have allowed their opponents. With that in mind, Cottle would like to see his team take smart, effective shots.
MARYLAND (6-2) VS. NORTH CAROLINA (6-2)
When » Today, noon
Where » Byrd Stadium
