Terrapin coaches had to make some tough decisions in the fall regarding position battles. From Ralph Friedgen’s quarterback dilemma to Sasho Cirovski’s dual freshman goalie system, the coaches faced questions and second guessing as their seasons progressed.
With that said, men’s lacrosse coach Dave Cottle better be ready for some of the same with his goalie situation. He has declared open competition for the spot between redshirt junior Jason Carter and reigning ACC Freshman of the Year Brian Phipps.
The goalies are saying all the right things. A few weeks ago, Phipps expressed that he and Carter would support each other through out the season. Yesterday, Carter said he’s going to be excited no matter who wins the job, and the competition is bringing out the best in both of them.
It seems to be true. Phipps gave up a single goal in three quarters of play the first weekend of scrimmaging. Against Princeton last weekend, Carter gave up two goals in a half against the Tigers.
Cottle said he has complete confidence in both net-minders, and he has not named a front-runner with the regular season opener looming on Feb. 23.
But that doesn’t mean he won’t make the tough decision.
“There’s the old saying: if you have two goalies, you don’t have any. Well, we think we have two goalies. So this weekend will be a big weekend in determining who’s going to play,” Cottle said.
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Tags: Brian Phipps, dave cottle, goalie, Jason Carter