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Maryland Lacrosse: Terps host High Point in home opener

By Chris Bengel

May 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Maryland Terrapins attack Matt Rambo (1) celebrates after scoring a goal against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Maryland Terrapins attack Matt Rambo (1) celebrates after scoring a goal against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Maryland lacrosse team is off to a hot start in 2017.

After wins against Navy and Saint Joseph’s, the Terrapins will look to keep their winning ways alive against High Point on Saturday.

Maryland hasn’t seemed to put their national title game loss at the hands of North Carolina behind them. Through two games, the Terps are averaging 15.5 goals-per-game and are shooting 44.9 percent.

It may come as somewhat of a surprise considering how much talent Maryland lost from last year’s team. Bryan Cole, Henry West, and Pat Young were gone from one of the best midfield units around.

However, the Terps had plenty of firepower stockpiled to absorb the weight of such a loss of talent.

Freshman Jared Bernhardt has been the most impressive story through the first two games. The Maryland legacy has registered four goals and two assists and is tied for third on the team in points.

On top of all that, attackman Matt Rambo has been sensational. The Pennsylvania native has scored six goals and dished out seven assists, including a six-point outing in the season opener.

Players to watch

Michael LeClair (attack) – LeClair is the senior leader that provides a ton of versatility for the Panthers. He’s a gutsy playmaker that has produced since he stepped foot on High Point’s campus. LeClair has put up back-to-back seasons of identical stats in 27 goals and 26 assists. If there’s a player that will single-handedly cause problems for Maryland, it’s LeClair.

Tim Troutner (goalie) – Troutner is one of the more talented netminders that you’re going to see in the nation. In High Point’s first two games, Troutner has posted a very impressive 6.02 goals-against-average, which ranks eighth in the country. He stands tall in the cage and doesn’t back down from any shooter. Maryland’s talented attack unit may have to work for their goals against the Panthers.

Prediction

While these two teams don’t face each other a ton, there is some familiarity because they did battle last February. Maryland got the 15-10 victory in that contest with Cole leading the way with a seven-point outing (three goals & four assists). Troutner still managed to stop 16 shots despite surrendering 15 goals.

Next: Terps move into three-way tie atop Big Ten

This is a game that the Terps definitely need. The schedule isn’t too kind going forward with Yale, Notre Dame, and Albany up next on the docket. Two of those contests are on the road. This could be one where Maryland will look to start fast and put it out of reach early. Look for another big outing from Rambo. Maryland wins 14-8.