Near the end of the first half against Penn on Saturday, Terrapin women’s lacrosse coach made the surprising move to put defender Iliana Sanza into the game.
Not because of any lack of skill, but because a knee injury has sidelined Sanza the previous three weeks and seemingly for the rest of the season.
When she entered, the Terps held a two-goal advantage and Penn held possession. The Quakers looked to run the clock down and take the final shot, but Sanza stepped in. At the left corner of the field near the Terps’ goal, Sanza caused a turnover and started a fast break opportunity just minutes after her entrance.
While midfielder Caitlyn McFadden missed the ensuing shot, Sanza’s play prevented the Quakers from stealing all of the game’s momentum.
Sanza has been out with a meniscus injury in her left knee. The injury occurred in practice on March 31, the day before the Terps’ match with Massachusetts, and has sat out three games. After an MRI showed that Sanza did not tear her ACL, there was hope that she could make a return this season.
Since then, Reese has stayed mum on the situation and had said it was a day-to-day basis. But Saturday, Sanza played most of the second half in the Terps’ 15-10 victory.
She will play a large role for the Terps’ defense as they take on Syracuse in the national semifinals in Towson, Md. on Friday evening.
This season, the freshman has recorded 15 groundballs, eight draw controls and 10 caused turnovers. Along with midfielder Katie Schwarzmann, Sanza has played filled the defensive holes left by Katie Gallagher (injury) and Alexcia Niumatalolo (team rules violation).
“We always have that intensity,” defender Brittany Poist said about the defense. “Of course it’s a relief to have her out there. But Maryland as a whole, though, plays as a team and having one player out there makes a difference but we’re going to play together whoever is out there.
“She is an amazing defender and has made a huge difference for our defense.”
Reese hails the Schwarzmann and Sanza tandem as the future of the Terps’ lacrosse program. She expects Sanza to play a high number of minutes this weekend.
“Iliana is a very strong defender,” Reese said. “She sees the field as good as anyone. She always puts herself in the right place at the right time.
With the starting defense of defenders Karrisa Taylor, Abby Caso and Poist, Sanza is the first defender off the bench in relief. Several times this season Sanza has made important plays to key offensive breaks and scores.
“She’s going to play a lot of time for us from her on out,” Reese said. “I think she makes a real difference for us on defense.”
Chris Eckard is the Diamondback’s Terrapin women’s lacrosse beat reporter. He can be reached at ceckard@umdbk.com