Zoe Stukenberg starred in Maryland women’s lacrosse’s midfield last year, winning the Tewaaraton Award and helping lead the Terps to their 14th national title. But with her graduation last spring, coach Cathy Reese added multiple players to help fill the void.
Meghan Siverson, a junior transfer from Louisville, and freshman Grace Griffin entered College Park to play with Jen Giles and Lizzie Colson in the midfield. In Maryland’s 18-7 win over William and Mary on Sunday, the newcomers showed they could have a significant impact going forward, with Siverson proving herself as another option in the draw circle and Griffin showing tenacity on both sides of the field.
Siverson impressed with two goals on four shots and four draw controls. Griffin, meanwhile, had one goal on two shots and two ground balls. She also tied for the team’s most caused turnovers (two).
“They’re going to be two key contributors to our team this year on both ends of the field, offense and defense,” coach Cathy Reese said of the pair’s performances off the bench. “They’re blending right in real nice, and that’s something we like to see out there.”
[Read more: Maryland women’s lacrosse begins its season with 18-7 win over William & Mary]
Siverson played a similar role in her two seasons at Louisville. She started every game for the Cardinals last year and ranked second on the team with 55 goals and 63 points. She was also named a 2017 IWLCA Third Team All-American and made the All-ACC Second Team.
“She’s great on the draw, she’s great on offense and defense. She’s really helping us out all over the field,” attacker Caroline Steele said. “She’s a great player. We’re so lucky to have her, and we’re so pumped that she came here.”
While Griffin lacks collegiate experience, she was one of Maryland’s top recruits. The Sykesville native was named an All-American four years in a row, and Inside Lacrosse ranked her the 16th-best high school player in her class.
In the blowout Sunday, Griffin notched her first goal as a Terp, taking advantage of a perfectly placed pass from Giles to toss the ball with ease into the bottom left side of the net.
“It was so exciting to see her out there and I’m so happy she got that [goal],” Giles said “I’ll be looking for her for the rest of the season.”
While they didn’t start in Sunday’s game, Griffin and Siverson will continue to ease into their roles and help fill the gap Stukenberg left.
“There’s the same standard set for everybody whether you’re on the sideline or whether you’re on the field,” senior attacker Megan Whittle said. “That’s just what happens when you get recruited here — you need to be the best, and you need to play the best.”
