I’m still trying to gather my thoughts through the first 30 minutes in this one.
Right from the beginning, Northwestern came out firing and caught the Terrapin women’s lacrosse defense out of position time after time. After it all, the Terps allowed six goals on the Wildcats’ first eight shots in less than 10 minutes. The Terps faced their largest deficit of the season and looked destined to get blown out.
Add that two Terps’ goals (Sarah Mollison and Katie Schwarzmann) were called off and the Terps had nothing going for them. But freshman midfielder Katie Schwarzmann and Mollison have powered an improbable and impressive comeback.
In the final 11:50, the Terps scored five consecutive goals to even the score at eight a piece.
But the biggest storyline today – 45 fouls. The referees have had their impact on the game throughout, as the 30 minute period took roughly an hour and 20 minutes to complete. The fouls and calls seemingly frustrated everyone involved – the Wildcats, Terps and the (most-likely) record-setting crowd.
Terps’ goalie Brittany Dipper seemed destined for an early pull, but worked with assistant coach Brian Reese during a media timeout half way through and hasn’t allowed a goal since. She has finished the 1st half with five saves.
Schwarzmann (three goals), Mollison (three) and attacker Karri Ellen Johnson (two goals) have been on fire shooting in the final few minutes.
Johnson has also played a huge role on draws, as the Terps have controlled three more than the nation-leading Wildcats. Northwestern has mostly used Danielle Spencer, but has also rotated Alexandra Frank in as well.
Also, Terps’ midfielder Caitlyn McFadden has rarely touched the ball on the offensive end for the Terps. Either Northwestern has shut the senior out, Reese is using this as a ploy or McFadden has become frustrated. Look for her to make an impact in the second half.
Shots: Terps 19, Wildcats 17
Ground balls: Terps 3, Wildcats 7
Draw controls: Terps 10, Wildcats 7
Free position shots: Terps 3/4, Northwestern 2/5
Saves: Terps 5, Wildcats 3
Fouls: Terps 26, Wildcats 19
Turnovers: Terps 7, Wildcats 4
Terps’ scorers: Schwarzmann (3), Mollison (3), Johnson (2)
Assists: Brandi Jones
Wildcats’ scorers: Erin Fitzgerald (2), Shannon Smith (2), Danielle Spencer, Taylor Thornton, Brooke Matthews, Amanda Macaluso
Assists: Katrina Dowd, Spencer