April 16, 2008

By Eric Detweiler The Diamondback

April 16, 2008

College Park, MD (UWIRE) -- For a moment, Jeff Reynolds did not have an answer.

After thinking for a moment about why the Maryland Terrapin men's lacrosse team has struggled early in games each of the past two weekends, Reynolds was still perplexed.

"I have no idea, actually," the redshirt junior midfielder responded.

Eventually, Reynolds launched into an explanation about how lack of energy and focus have put the Terps into early holes that have led to a pair of disappointing losses.

But no matter the reason, the problem is clear.

When the Terps have struggled early this season, they have not been able to bounce back. They are 7-0 when taking a lead into the half this year but 0-4 when tied or trailing at the break.

"It's a tough way to start a game," Reynolds said. "Usually when you come out, you're looking to score and trying to get momentum. When the other team starts out with the momentum, it's tough to work back from there."

Since an electric first-half performance propelled the Terps to an upset win over then-No. 1 Virginia on March 29, the Terps have been unable to get off to good starts in losses to Navy and Johns Hopkins.

"You could kinda tell the emotion wasn't there," senior defender Joe Cinosky said. "We came out flat. We weren't the same team we have been in previous games."

While Cinosky said the underdog factor was a great motivator against the Cavaliers, he acknowledged there should be no excuses for the past two lackluster efforts.

"There's nothing really to fix," Cinosky said. "We've just got to bring that intensity we used to have."

Just as important is the Terps' inability to overcome the slow starts.

After trailing 5-0 against Navy at the half, the Terps rallied but could not complete the comeback, falling 5-4. Against Johns Hopkins, the Terps scored the last two goals of the first half to cut the deficit to one before being overpowered in the second half.

"We've got to find a way to play from behind and play with poise," coach Dave Cottle said. "We've got to find a way to control the ball and not let the score dictate how confidently we play."

Cottle said poor practices and pregrame warm-ups have contributed to the problem. If Monday's practice was any indication, he expects the Terps to return to form.

"Practice has been different," Cottle said, adding that Monday he got a glimpse of the team he saw three weeks ago.

It was a good start for the young Terps, whose lineup features 18 freshmen who have never experienced a collegiate losing streak before.

But they will need solid leadership and a full week of good practices to make sure they're prepared to start fast Saturday against Penn.

"We've got to do a better job of getting ourselves ready to play," Cottle said.

TERP NOTE: After being suspended for two games due to DUI and possession of marijuana charges, freshman attackman Travis Reed will return to action Saturday against Penn, Cottle said. Whether he will start or come off the bench is uncertain.

(C) 2008 The Diamondback via UWIRE