To really understand the final play of the Terps’ 11-10 overtime victory over Duke on Saturday, you need to see it for yourself.
But if you weren’t at M&T Bank Stadium to witness the win in the Konica Minolta Face-off Classic live, you’re in luck. Inside Lacrosse, the sponsor of the event, compiled a three minute highlight reel of the game.
Of course, in a game that goes to sudden-death overtime, the top highlight will always be the play that led to victory. But while attackman Grant Catalino’s goal sealed the win, and the mad offensive dash downfield to set it up will wow you, you really should pay attention to the play’s beginning at the opposite end of the field.
At the 2:27 mark of the video, watch the near goalpost. Duke midfielder Will McKee takes the ball and moves in to take what could be the game-winning shot. But the Terps’ short stick midfielder Bryn Holmes runs in across the cage and slams into him in a manner more befitting a football lineman. He sends McKee backwards onto the ground while long pole Brian Farrell picks up the loose ball and starts the breakaway. The hit becomes more impressive when you consider their physical statistics: Holmes stands at 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, McKee at 6-foot-3 and 220 – for those among us not mathematically inclined, that’s a good 5 inches taller and 60 pounds heavier.
The last play in its entirety, from Holmes’ hit to Catalino’s goal, may be my No. 1 pick, but I would advise you to take your time and enjoy the highlights. In the back-and-forth game, the ACC rivals provided a bevy of impressive plays.
My runner-up: At 1:26, watch attackman Ryan Young fake a pass to fellow attackman Travis Reed as they pass each other behind the net. While the Blue Devil defenders and goalie follow Reed, Young in fact flips the ball to himself, then passes to midfielder Will Yeatman, who scores on an open net. The video even provides a helpful “X” onscreen to show you who has the ball – you’ll probably need it.
Kate Yanchulis is the Terrapin men’s lacrosse team beat writer for The Diamondback . She can be reached at kyanchulisdbk@gmail.com.