Maryland Lacrosse: Jared Bernhardt off to a hot start

Jared Bernhardt is a legacy when it comes to the Maryland lacrosse program.

After just two games, it’s looking like he may be just as much of a talent as his older brothers.

In a pair of road games to start off his college career, Bernhardt has registered four goals and two assists. The Longwood, Fla. native had his first career hat trick (three goals & an assist) against Saint Joseph’s on Tuesday and a goal and an assist against Navy this past Saturday.

He’s currently tied with attackman Dylan Maltz for third on the team with six points.

Jared Bernhardt’s first career goal pic.twitter.com/Vb1uI6XudW

— Maryland Lacrosse (@TerpsMLax) February 11, 2017

While his collegiate debut wasn’t bad by any stretch, his performance against the Hawks was truly impressive.

Bernhardt didn’t waste any time getting back into the scoring column on Tuesday.

Just 36 seconds into the game, Bernhardt received the ball a long ways away from the cage. He immediately turned on the jets, blew by nearly every Hawk defender in his path, and beat goalie T.J. Jones down low.

Another quick score for Maryland to open a game. Jared Bernhardt with a solo dodge and score just over 30 seconds in. pic.twitter.com/SR3iXlAMD6

— Dan Aburn(@danaburn2423) February 14, 2017

While it’s only been two games, Bernhardt has had a knack for scoring right in close to the cage.

After a face-off violation by Saint Joseph’s, Maryland displayed sensational ball movement on the man-up advantage. Matt Rambo found Tim Rotanz, who was able to feed it in close to Bernhardt.

Bernhardt was able to get Jones to bite on his pump fake and deposited his second goal of the game. His tally increased Maryland’s lead to 4-2 with 8:55 remaining in the opening quarter.

With Maryland holding a commanding 12-6 lead, Bernhardt was ready to complete his hat trick.

After nearly turning the ball over, Rotanz raced to get the loose ball. Eventually, it ended up in the cradle of Rambo, who spotted Bernhardt down low.

Bernhardt was able to deke Jones once again and bury his third goal on the afternoon. With 12:24 left in the third quarter, the Terp lead was well-protected.

Based on the production of his brothers, Bernhardt has been bred for playing this level of competition. Both Jake and Jesse Bernhardt have played lacrosse professionally and were standouts during their time with the Terps.

Obviously, it’s only been two games, but the youngest Bernhardt is playing at an incredibly high level. Once he gets settled and more comfortable, the sky is the limit for what he can do on the field.

Next: Terps begin toughest stretch

With Rambo set to graduate in the spring, Bernhardt could be the next great lacrosse star in College Park.