By Christian Swezey
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, February 23, 2008

The Maryland men's lacrosse team won all six of its preseason scrimmages. Georgetown lost both of its scrimmages. Yet the Terrapins have more question marks than the Hoyas entering their meeting today at noon at Multi-Sport Field. It is the season opener for both.

Maryland Coach Dave Cottle said he had not decided on his starters on attack or in goal.

The Terrapins started three freshmen on attack in a scrimmage against Harvard last week -- Grant Catalino, Brad Young and Travis Reed.

Starting the freshmen today would prove a risk, not least because the Hoyas' defense is very aggressive. In particular, senior Jerry Lambe is considered one of the nation's best takeaway defensemen.

One alternative would be to use senior Max Ritz on attack. Ritz has 13 career points against the Hoyas (9 goals, 4 assists). He played as a midfielder for much of the preseason.

Cottle also said he had not decided whether to start sophomore Brian Phipps or junior Jason Carter in goal.

"We'll have a freshman on one of the top two midfield lines and another on defense. The question is how many we'll use on attack," Cottle said.

Maryland has won six of seven in the series, which has had some contentious moments. A Georgetown player was ejected after he shoved a Maryland player in the face three times in 2005. The following year, a late hit near the Georgetown sideline almost led to a brawl. And last year, a Maryland player was suspended for one game after he allegedly punched a Georgetown player as the game ended.

"I think both sets of coaches have been emphasizing that it should be a clean, hard-fought game," Georgetown Coach Dave Urick said. "Nothing more, nothing less."

Virginia senior Ben Rubeor, one of the top attackmen in the nation, will not play against Stony Brook today because of a knee injury. His status to face Syracuse on March 1 is questionable, Coach Dom Starsia said. In Rubeor's absence, fifth-year senior Peter Lamade moved to attack from the starting midfield.

"We were flying by the seat of our pants," Starsia said. "But Peter is probably our best left-handed player. He touched the ball at least 250 times" in an 11-7 win at Drexel in the opener.