Old Play Helps Hopkins Regain Confidence

Johns Hopkins 10, Maryland 4

BALTIMORE, April 12 -- The opening goal of the Johns Hopkins lacrosse team's 10-4 victory over Maryland before 8,626 on Saturday at Homewood Field was scored by senior all-American Paul Rabil -- on almost exactly the same play he used to score the winning goal against the Terrapins in sudden-death overtime last year.

The goal last year spurred the Blue Jays to a nine-game winning streak that culminated in a national championship. It remains to be seen what long-term effect Saturday's victory will have.

But the short-term effect was obvious. Rabil's goal gave the Blue Jays (4-5) a lead they didn't lose. Johns Hopkins had lost five consecutive games, the longest single-season losing streak since the program began in 1883.

"There is definitely a sense now that we can take a deep breath," senior attackman Michael Doneger said. "We have our confidence back, but by no means does that mean we're overconfident."

On the opening possession, Rabil went to the middle of the field toward a pick that was set by a teammate. A miscommunication between Rabil's defender, senior Joe Cinosky, and the other defender left Rabil open briefly. And his 12-yard left-handed shot went past junior goalkeeper Jason Carter 1 minute 11 seconds into the game.

Soon after the first goal, another trend emerged. Johns Hopkins senior Stephen Peyser began the game by winning both of his faceoffs in the first quarter. He won the three he took in the second quarter.

But Peyser's performance in the opening minutes of the third quarter proved decisive. Maryland (7-4) trailed 3-2 at halftime. Peyser won the opening faceoff of the second half and scored on a 10-yard shot for a 4-2 lead.

He won another faceoff, and Doneger scored on a 10-yard shot for a 5-2 lead. And it was 6-2 following a goal by junior Austin Walker with 12:42 left in the third quarter. To that point, the Terrapins had not had possession.

For the game, Peyser won 12 of 13 faceoffs and added seven groundballs. His performance gave the Blue Jays possession for nearly 38 minutes. Maryland tried four faceoff men against him.

"It was tough. I felt we were on defense the whole time," Carter said. "It didn't go our way today."

Said Peyser of the goal he scored: "They weren't sliding to me, and when they give you a 10-yard shot, you have to take it. Right?"

Meantime, Maryland had another difficult day on offense. Freshman attackman Travis Reed, who was leading the team in scoring through nine games, was suspended for a violation of the school's student-athlete conduct policy. He missed a 5-4 loss to Navy on April 4 and Saturday's game, but is expected back next week.