When Terrapin field hockey goalie Kathryn Masson thinks of former teammate Paula Infante, she doesn’t just remember the 139 career points.
“People sometimes think of Paula as such an offensive player, but really the thing she did defensively outshone what she did in the other teams’ circle if you really look at it,” Masson said.
With a mostly inexperienced defense anchored by a few solid veterans, it was hard to say if the Terps could duplicate the defensive results from last season, which ranked them first in the nation in goals-against average.
With only three goals against in four games this season, so far so good.
The Terps will look to build on their strong start this weekend in the Terrapin Invitational. They face off against Ohio State tomorrow at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex at 11 a.m.
“I think we’re adjusting very well,” said sophomore Bri Davies, who is getting used to her first season at center back. “I know we have two freshman playing strong roles back there, but they’re doing a great job back there. We’re doing well, but we’re still working on it in practice.”
Besides Davies playing well in the center, freshmen Meghan Dean and Amanda Himmelheber and junior Ellen Ott have accepted substantial playing time.
Davies said they have answered every challenge, especially Aug. 31 against Old Dominion when they held the Monarchs to four shots.
“At practice we work with them all the time,” Davies said. “I know our right back [Dean] used to be a forward. We’re just working with them, and they’re doing awesome.”
The defensive leader is returning All-American Susie Rowe in front of fellow All-American Masson.
The Terps have succeeded by employing a different strategy with their center backs than last season. In an effort to confuse opponents, Davies and Rowe take turns pushing to the top of the defensive formation.
“I like it a lot,” Davies said. “In the beginning, I was a little shaky, but me and Susie work and communicate well together.”
The only bump in the road for the defense was Sunday, when the Terps allowed a pair of second half goals to Michigan before winning in overtime.
Coming off that performance, Masson said the Terrapin Invitational is about taking the next step toward consistency.
“This weekend’s really important,” Masson said. “We’re at a point now where if you’re on the field, it doesn’t matter if you’re a senior or a freshman. You know your role and people will expect certain things out of you.”
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