Men's lacrosse doesn’t look far to find Holmes’ faceoff replacement

After losing starting faceoff specialist Bryn Holmes to graduation last season, the Terrapin men's lacrosse team had a gaping hole at one of its most important positions entering the 2011 season.

Holmes won 54.2 percent of the draws he took last season, giving the Terps a crucial possession advantage in a number of their games. His departure had left this year's senior-laden Terp team, which boasts nine returning starters, without a go-to faceoff specialist.

Luckily for the Terps, his replacement was just a branch down the family tree.

Curtis Holmes, Bryn's younger brother by three years, has started in both games for the No. 3 Terps this season, winning 37 of 52 draws. His 71.2 faceoff percentage is the best in the ACC among players who have 10 or more attempts.

His starring performance Saturday against Georgetown helped the Terps (2-0) clinch a convincing and equally impressive 20-8 victory. After winning only five of 12 faceoffs in the first half, Holmes dominated the Hoyas for the rest of the afternoon, securing 78.9 percent (15-for-19) of the draws he took in the final two frames of action.

"Curtis played unbelievable," attackman Grant Catalino said. "He's the silent killer coming into the season. Nobody really knew much about him. … He's been playing really well."

Holmes consistently handed the Terps possession throughout the second half and even made his presence known in the offensive zone. His goal — the first of his career — came off a clean faceoff win, and his two assists finished off odd-man breaks he had started with his work at the faceoff X.

"As the game went on, we did a better job at the X," coach John Tillman said. "It's a credit to Curtis."

Georgetown coach Dave Urick couldn't find an answer for Holmes. Four different Hoyas had a chance to best the 5-foot-9 sophomore, but none could match his dominance.

After Holmes forced Urick to look to his bench following wins in four of his first five second-half faceoffs against Hoya starter Brian Tabb, the going only got easier for the Marriotsville native. Hoya defender Tyler Knarr and midfielders Patrick Murray and Matt Sutherland won just three draws in 12 attempts against Holmes.

"The faceoff was a factor, for sure," Urick said. "We trotted everybody out there. I don't think we had anyone with any eligibility left that could go out there and face off."

"You never know what their strategy is," Holmes added. "But it makes you feel good to know that they're rotating guys in because you're being so successful."

An instinctive faceoff specialist, Holmes used a strong clamp to claim most of the draws he took against the Hoyas. Unlike some players who try to guess when the referee will blow his whistle, Holmes starts his move only after hearing it.

"It's such a mind game at the X," Holmes said. "I think it plays better into my hands because I'm more a reaction kind of guy and just go at the whistle."

Holmes attributed some of his success this year to working with freshman faceoff specialist Dan Noskin in practice and playing to his wingmen's strengths during games.

But he said watching his older brother play in a Terp uniform and picking up small tips along the way was equally as important.

After all, winning faceoffs is something that runs in the family.

"I was there two years ago [watching Bryn play]," Holmes said. "I was a senior in high school, and it was awesome to see just how important a single player can be to a team."

jengelke@umdbk.com