After taking over the top spot in the nation, Maryland women’s lacrosse heads to New York on Saturday to take on Hofstra. The Terps are coming off a 13-10 win over then-No. 1 North Carolina. Hofstra, on the other hand, lost to Fairfield last week, 19-14, after winning their first two games.

Maryland is 5-0 all-time against the Pride, and this will be Maryland’s last road game for three weeks.

Hofstra Pride (2-1)

Head Coach: Shannon Smith. In her fifth season as head coach, Smith has totaled 35 wins and a Colonial Athletic Association championship in 2015. Additionally, Smith was a three-time All-American as a member of a Northwestern’s women’s lacrosse team from 2009-2012 that won three championships. In 2011, Smith was the nation’s Tewaaraton award winner, the last one to come from a school other than Maryland.

Players to Watch

Alyssa Parrella, 5’4, midfield, No. 7. Parrella is off to a hot start in her first season with the Pride. The freshman has totaled 21 points on 15 goals and six assists, leading the team in all three categories. In three games, Parrella has also posted a .625 shot percentage.

Shea McAvoy, 5’10, defense, No. 15. McAvoy has been the Pride’s top defender on the young season. Her 12 ground balls and eight caused turnovers both lead the team, and she’s also contributed three draw controls.

Strength

Scoring. Hofstra’s opponents have struggled to stop the Pride this year, allowing 43 goals on 65 attempts. The Pride are also getting 81.3 percent of their shots to the goal and their 14.33 goals per game are good to tie for 21 in the country.

Weakness

Goalkeeping. Hofstra goalie Maddie Fields has struggled to start the season, allowing 34 goals on 54 attempts in three games. Her .370 save percentage is only 84th in the country, and her 6.67 goals per game allowed rank 75th. Maryland should convert if they are able to get shots on goal.

Three things to watch

1. Expect a lot of goals. Hofstra has been very consistent this season, scoring 14 goals twice and 15 goals once. However, they are coming off a game where they let up 19 goals. With Maryland’s offense getting into a groove, this should be a fast-paced, high-scoring game.
2. Who steps up this week? So far this year, Maryland has had a different player shine in each of their games. With their balance on offense, the Terps have been able to spread the wealth around to whoever has the hot hand each game.
3. Megan Taylor should be tested. The Terps goalie has been exceptional this year, tied for sixth in the nation in save percentage (.571), and making key saves at crucial times. She now faces a consistently dangerous offense that will continue to test her talents.