Maryland coach Brenda Frese wanted to test her players this season by putting them through a grueling opening month that included 14 games in 31 days.
They passed easily.
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The fourth-ranked Terrapins entered their week-long break to take final exams with a record of 13-1 after cruising to a 64-46 victory over Temple on Sunday. The Terrapins next game is Dec. 20 at James Madison (6-2) before hosting Richmond (5-5) and UMBC (4-6) on Dec. 29 and 30. The Terrapins open Atlantic Coast Conference play at Wake Forest (9-1) on Jan. 3.
“I feel like we are in excellent shape right now,” Frese said. “We?ve played 12 different conferences so far and seen just about every style of play and played under every type of situation. This was the perfect way to prepare us for the upcoming Atlantic Coast Conference schedule.”
Maryland has gotten off to a strong start despite having several key players suffer injuries, most notably All-American forward Crystal Langhorne.
The senior missed six games with a sprained ankle, but has started to reestablish herself as an inside threat by averaging 12.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in eight games.
Langhorne is the school?s third all-time leading scorer with 1,810 points after finishing with 14 points against Temple. She also is the Terrapins all-time leading rebounder (992).
“I know I?ve only been back for six games [since my last injury],” she said. “But that was probably one of the more physical games I?ve played so far other than Rutgers, but this could have been more physical than Rutgers.”
Frese said Langhorne?s absence allowed several post players to prove they could produce, including senior center Laura Harper (12.9 ppg, 7.9 ppg) and senior forward Jade Perry (5.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg). However, the catalyst for Maryland is junior guard Kristi Toliver, who is averaging a team-high 17.5 points and 7.9 assists per game.
“I?m proud to see different player come through and contribute when we needed them to,” Frese said. “The team will only be better because of it. Crystal is starting to regain her intensity and should be back at full strength by the time ACC play begins.”
The break also couldn?t come at a better time for Frese, who is pregnant with twins and is due on March 10. Frese missed the team?s WestCoast road trip late last month, when the Terrapins were led by assistant Doron Park.
“Right now, this is the best I?ve felt since I became pregnant,” Frese, who sits in her office chair instead of a folding chair during games. “My energy level feels good right now, but I?m keenly aware of what?s ahead for me.”
