With under three minutes remaining in Maryland women’s lacrosse’s game at Rutgers on Saturday, midfielder Kylie Davis showcased the Terps’ seemingly endless supply of talent.
The sophomore, who had just three career goals to her name, received a pass behind the arc and accelerated hard to her right, leaving Scarlet Knights defender Brianna Cirino in her dust. She completed the play by firing a shot past goalkeeper Kameron Halsall.
While the goal was inconsequential in a game that Maryland had put out of reach long before, it was one of many plays that exemplified the team’s depth. The Terps’ starters achieved their usual level of success Saturday — but the bench was equally effective, turning a convincing victory into a 20-3 blowout.
“These guys are working, looking forward for their opportunity to get on the field,” coach Cathy Reese said.
[Read more: Maryland women’s lacrosse puts on a clinic in 20-3 win over Rutgers]
After its starters built an 11-1 first-half lead — including a hat trick from attacker Brindi Griffin — Maryland turned to its bench in the last 30 minutes, with Davis, attacker Hannah Glaros and attacker Catie May providing highlight plays of their own.
The Terps’ bench contributed to season highs of 20 goals and 13 goalscorers Saturday. Maryland also totalled eight assists, eclipsing its season average of 6.3.
“I love that we had 13 different goalscorers,” Reese said. “That’s so awesome.”
Although Maryland owned a comfortable 10-goal advantage at the intermission, it didn’t have it easy in the early stages. By the time their sixth goal came about 22 minutes in, the Terps were 6-for-17 shooting in one of their least efficient offensive performances of the season.
Attacker Kali Hartshorn wasn’t her usual self, starting the game 1-for-7. As a team, the Terps shot a mere 42 percent in the first half.
“Sometimes we were taking the first look rather than the best look,” Reese said. “We need to do better than that.”
[Read more: Undefeated Maryland women’s lacrosse is still working on its turnovers]
However, a five-goal burst to end the half gave Maryland a sizable lead that it easily rode to the finish line.
With a running clock and a comfortable cushion, Reese sat numerous usual starters and worked fresh faces into the game. The bench players controlled the game with a maturity level beyond the number of minutes they’d spent on the field.
Davis was first among the bench players to get on the board. May found the sophomore cutting from the right side of the arc, and Davis made no mistake in finishing to extend Maryland’s lead to 14-2.
From there, the Terps reasserted their authority. Though the starters dominated due to a sheer volume of shots, the bench players delivered a more composed performance, working the ball around the field. Attacker Julia Hoffman was one of the primary beneficiaries of this methodical attack, scoring one and adding two assists.
“Any mix of people are obviously going to do really well together,” Davis said. “We all mesh.”
The backup defense also did its part to secure a win for the Terps. After seeing intermittent action through the first 11 games of the season, goalkeeper Maddie McSally was given the entire second half in net. Megan Taylor’s heir apparent had a performance to remember, notching four saves on seven Rutgers shots.
The Terps’ bench raised the team’s shooting percentage from 42 percent to 50 percent, delivering a performance that improved upon the starters’ early work and established just how dangerous the squad can be, regardless of who is on the field.
“They’re all so good,” Griffin said. “They have the confidence to go out there, and I’m so proud of all of them.”