Terrapin field hockey goalie Kathryn Masson has a simple solution to the complex problem of keeping the opposition off the scoreboard.
“Obviously, you want to limit the number of shots,” Masson said. “If I don’t touch the ball in a game, I’m not complaining.”
However, she also understands that staying busy can be a good thing for a goalie.
“There are the games when you are getting a lot of shots, and you feel really warmed up and on your game,” Masson said. “A lot of people underestimate that when a goalie only has one shot, she’s just been standing there for half an hour.”
After leading the nation in goals-against average the past two seasons behind a suffocating defense that allowed just 6.08 shots per game over that period, the two-time All-American has found herself facing more action this season.
In 12 games this season, the Terp defense has allowed 100 shots, compared to 66 shots over the first twelve games last season and 50 shots to this point in 2005.
“I think everyone’s just sharing the load this year, and that includes myself,” Masson said. “I feel like I have to step up a little bit more this year, and everybody else has to step up to contribute because we don’t have that big powerhouse player.”
The defense lost four-time All-American Paula Infante and second-team All-America pick Kristina Edmonds, who both started every game the last two seasons.
By having more action in the defensive end this season, Terp coach Missy Meharg said Masson and the rest of the defense are getting an opportunity to test their defensive skills.
“I think one of the things about this team is they’re practicing playing defense,” Meharg said. “It’s a great thing to have a great defense, but then you can get rattled if you only see a few shots a whole game. We’re not like that. We’re playing these teams even and it can be 0-0 or 5-5 at the end.”
The No. 2 Terps have been outshot twice this season, against American and Virginia, but both games ended up 4-0 Terp victories.
The combination of Masson and redshirt sophomore Alicia Grater, who has played 123 minutes and 31 seconds without allowing a goal, have surrendered just eight goals this season after giving up 10 to this point last season. This ranks the Terps second in the nation in goals-against average and fourth in save percentage this season.
“I think [Masson] and [Grater] are both doing excellent,” Meharg said. “I’m overly pleased with the goaltending right now because we’ve got two goalies playing at a very high level, and the statistics show it.”
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