Women's lacrosse moving on to the next one

If it's hard to envision a worthy sequel to the Terrapin women's lacrosse team's 2010 season, one that culminated in the program's 11th national championship, it might not be for much longer.

In each of coach Cathy Reese's first three seasons, her team took strides forward. In her first two years, the Terps' season ended in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. Then a tantalizing undefeated run through the 2009 season ended abruptly in the Final Four.

Last year, however, provided the breakthrough the program had been searching for since 2001, the year of its last title. The Terps overcame a six-goal deficit to dethrone a powerful Northwestern side — winners of the previous five titles — in dramatic fashion, 13-11.

With the loss of five seniors to graduation, including 2010 Tewaaraton Award winner Caitlyn McFadden, it's no surprise Reese said the Terps' journey will be markedly different from last year.

But a number of talented veterans and budding upperclassmen again have the nation's top-ranked team poised to etch its own place in history.

"Our big focus as a team is we're focusing on 2011," Reese said. "We're a different team, we're a different group. ... Every year, your challenges you face are different, your strengths are different, your weaknesses are different and for us this season, we're just focusing on the here and the now."

As with last year, the Terps shouldn't have much trouble scoring. Senior attacker Sarah Mollison, a member of the Australian national team, and junior attacker Karri Ellen Johnson, who was named Lacrosse Magazine's Preseason National Player of the Year, headline arguably the nation's most vaunted offensive unit.

Mollison had 45 goals and 30 assists last year, while Johnson poured in 69 goals in her sophomore campaign, putting her on pace to shatter the Terps' all-time scoring record of 267 goals set by Jen Adams in 2001.

Junior Kristy Black and sophomore Alex Aust also figure to prominently contribute to an attacking group that Reese is "really excited about."

Perhaps the Terps' biggest challenge this year will be replacing McFadden, a four-year starter for the team in its midfield. There's no lack of options, though, for a squad that prides itself on an ability to create scoring chances from anywhere on the field.

Seniors Laura Merrifield and Brandi Jones, alongside star sophomore Katie Schwarzmann, who was recently named to the U.S. national team, form what should be an impressive trio in the midfield.

"Katie's incredible. She's one of the fastest people," Johnson said of her teammate. "When in doubt, give the ball to Katie. She'll get it done. She's a ground ball machine. Literally unstoppable."

Last season, Merrifield, a member of the British national team, scored 27 goals. She'll help captain this year's squad. Sophomore Danielle Kirk and freshman Beth Glaros, a top recruit, should be in the midfield mix as well.

Headlining what should again be one of the nation's strongest defenses, junior goalie Brittany Dipper will start for the third consecutive season for the Terps. Dipper allowed an average of 7.35 goals per game and had a solid .445 save percentage last season.

Captain Katie Gallagher, a defensive stalwart, missed last season while battling Crohn's disease, but her return is expected to be critical to the team's success defensively.

"She is an outstanding leader on the defensive end of the field for us," Reese said. "She's one of the best defenders in the country."

Senior Brittany Poist, another U.S. national team member, will start alongside Gallagher and provide another experienced voice for the defense, which lost two starters to graduation.

Last season, the Terps began their title run with a 17-7 season-opening romp over Richmond. The team hopes to kick off 2011 in similar fashion when it travels to Richmond on Sunday. The Terps are 17-0 all-time against the Spiders.

castello@umdbk.com