Women's lacrosse ready to renew competitive series vs. Penn State

Nearly a year ago, the Terrapin women's lacrosse team required a Caitlyn McFadden goal with two seconds left in the first half to cut a surprising Penn State lead to 6-3.

It was a surprising deficit for a team normally unaccustomed to one. Even in the team's lone loss last year at No. 3 North Carolina, the Terps trailed by only two goals at halftime. Not since a 15-4 loss at No. 7 Virginia on Mar. 14, 2007 had the team been behind by three goals or more at the half.

The deficit, however, did not faze the team as it tallied 11 goals in less than 15 minutes to open the second half on its way to a 17-9 win over the then-No. 18 Nittany Lions in University Park, Pa.

Sunday's matchup between the two teams, the No. 1 Terps' (2-0) home opener this season, should offer a similarly frenzied affair.

"The Penn State-Maryland rivalry is always an exciting game," coach Cathy Reese said. "We're really excited about it. We're excited to have our first home game. We're excited about playing at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. Last year, we had the second half of our season all on Ludwig [Field], so for us it's exciting to play back home."

The two squads have met in some excruciatingly close games over the past decade. Since 2002, the Terps have taken eight of nine contests, six of which have been decided by two goals or less. A triple-overtime thriller the Terps pulled out, 13-12, in 2008 highlighted the competitive series.

A deep pool of talent has helped keep the action compelling. In their games against Penn State, the Terps have been ranked outside the top 10 only once dating back to 2002. The Nittany Lions, meanwhile, have been slotted between No. 11 and No. 20 seven times during that span, including one appearance at No. 2.

Offensively, the Terps have been nothing short of prolific through two games this season, posting 35 goals on 65 shots, good for a .538 shooting percentage. Attacker Karri Ellen Johnson leads the way with a dozen goals, followed closely by midfielder Katie Schwarzmann with 10.

Last season, Penn State, which returns eight starters, relied on two Maryland natives, Jen Steadman and Molly Fernandez, for much of its offensive production. Steadman, who had 28 goals and 17 assists in 2010, attended Century High School in Sykesville, the same as the Terps' Schwarzmann.

That won't be the only reunion Sunday, though. Penn State coach Missy Doherty, a former Terp lacrosse star, will make her coaching debut against her alma mater. Doherty won three national championships while in College Park and was a teammate of Reese's for three seasons.

castello@umdbk.com