Maryland women’s lacrosse vs. Hofstra preview

Maryland women’s lacrosse (4-0) was clicking on all cylinders against UMBC in its 18-1 win Wednesday night, and will look to keep pushing on Saturday against Hofstra.

Cathy Reese used Maryland’s second game in four days to get younger players involved, and that decision paid off. Against UMBC, the Terrapins had seven goals scored by freshmen, including a six goal streak by the 2018 recruiting class in the second half. Julia Hoffman led all freshmen with three goals, while Darby Welsh and Hannah Glaros added two goals each, and Maddie McSally contributed 23 shutout minutes in goal.

“It was a lot of fun for our class because everybody was able to get out there today,” Hoffman said after the win. “Everybody did great, whether is was on offense or defense, or even Maddie McSally in goal, everybody contributed.”

These contributions come at a great time, as the Terrapins will encounter their third game in just seven days. Caroline Steele, who rested against UMBC, should be placed back in the lineup this weekend, but there should still be room for more freshmen and players like Hannah Warther (who scored two goals against the Retrievers) to clock in quality minutes to keep the team fresh.

In other midweek news, six Terrapins were named to the first Tewaaraton Watch List, including Erica Evans, Julia Braig, Jen Giles, Caroline Steele, Megan Taylor and Lizzie Colson. Maryland has won seven of the last nine Tewaaraton awards, including a streak of six straight from 2012-17. There will be three more waves of additions for this watch list before April 25, when the field will be narrowed down to 25 players.

Up next: Hofstra (4-1)

The Pride have started the season strong, and enter Saturday’s matchup with their one loss coming on the road to then-No. 21 Southern California.

Through five games, Hofstra is averaging 15.4 goals per game and shooting 45.6 percent. Though their recent competition of Bucknell, Wagner, Fairfield and Quinnipiac are not up to the level that Maryland has seen, the Pride have managed to allow just 5.2 goals per game during this win streak.

Junior midfielder Alyssa Parrella leads the way on offense for Hofstra with 24 goals through five starts, including seven goals against Wagner alone. Other weapons on the attack include junior Alexa Mattera (16 goals, three assists) and sophomore Katie Whelan (12 goals and seven assists so far).

In goal, freshman Jess Smith has started all five of Hofstra’s games so far in 2019, posting a save percentage of 56.3 percent. Similarly to the UMBC matchup, the Terrapins will need to be on top of their game defensively with a strong goalie on the opposite end of the field.

Opening draw in Hempstead, New York, is set for noon ET on Saturday and can be streamed here.