All season, freshman goalie Brian Phipps has displayed his maturity on and off the field.

This past week, with the return of senior goalie Harry Alford looming, Phipps once again displayed his maturity.

The ACC Freshman of the Year told coach Dave Cottle he felt that, with Alford healthy, he should go to the bench in favor of the senior. Phipps did what he felt was best for the team, making the decision easier for Cottle rather than trying to extend his time as starter.

“He’s a proven veteran,” Phipps said. “He is better than me; he’s got more experience, and so I thought that’s what the team needed.”

Alford made his first start of the year Friday, in the Terps’ 11-10 loss to Virginia in the first round of the ACC tournament. And though the result was not what the Terps hoped for, Alford made a number of tough saves and showed flashes of what made him an Honorable Mention All-American the previous two seasons.

Having sat out most of the season with a shoulder injury, Alford knew he was not at the top of his game. But despite the admitted rust, he felt ready to play.

“I felt like I gave away some goals that I could have saved, but it felt comfortable to be out there,” Alford said. “It just felt like last year or any of the previous years. It was just fun to be out there playing.”

Alford, who underwent shoulder surgery before the season, was expected to be ready to play more than a month ago. But as the season went on, his return was continuously delayed. He did not see action until March 20, in the second half of an 18-3 blowout against Mount Saint Mary’s.

He continued to see action in garbage time, playing the final 3:46 in the Terps 14-8 win over North Carolina and the final 9:10 in a 12-8 loss to Virginia.

Finally, against Pennsylvania two weeks ago, Alford entered a close game for the first time this season. Entering a 6-6 game in the beginning of the second half, Alford made six saves and allowed 4 goals to help push the Terps to victory, his first win of the year. Last week, Cottle made the transition to his senior goalie official.

“He had a tremendous week of practice last week,” Cottle said. “He was a two-time ACC all-tourney player who had been there before … His teammates wanted him to play, and we felt he was ready to play.”

The defense rallied around Alford early, getting out to a 4-1 lead. Alford allowed a goal to Virginia attackman Jack Riley early, but made a nice save on a shot by midfielder Drew Thompson, and throughout the game Alford looked sharp. Three of the goals he allowed went in after Alford got a piece of the ball, and another was on a rebound shot by Virginia attackman Garrett Billings.

Even after allowing goals, the defense tried to pick Alford up and remained confident, as it was excited to have its leader back in the cage.

“I was so excited, and I know Harry was, too,” Clarke said. “He couldn’t wait to get back in the goal. And it just felt so good for him, because he’s worked so hard to get over this injury.”

Alford’s biggest asset to the Terps is his experience. With two full seasons in the goal under his belt, the senior has vocal leadership skills and instinctually understands how the defense must be organized in front of him. He is also an outstanding athlete, having played linebacker on his high school football team.

Still, playing a full 60 minutes in the cage wore on Alford. He admitted to being tired and feeling soreness in his shoulder. But none of the pain compared to the agony of defeat.

“It hurt, especially on some clears. But I was going to play the full game no matter what,” Alford said. “I know that if he kept me out there, I was going to keep competing. It was definitely painful, but if we came away with the win it wouldn’t have even mattered.”

Cottle has yet to decide the future of his goalie situation. But with Alford healthy, it seems likely he will continue his role as starter into the NCAA Tournament. And even after an impressive freshman campaign, Phipps understands.

Contact reporter Adi Joseph at ajosephdbk@gmail.com.