Late in the third quarter of No. 2 Maryland’s matchup with No. 11 Penn State, Bubba Fairman fired off a shot partially saved by Nittany Lions goalie Colby Kneese. The rebound deflected out to defenseman Gerald Filardi Jr., who pushed himself forward on an attempted clear.
But just feet into his rush forward, Filardi was detwigged — to steal a term from play-by-play announcer Joe Beninati — by Terps’ sophomore attackman Daniel Maltz. The ball bounced around until it found the stick of Logan Wisnauskas, who whizzed a pass straight toward the crease, where Tewaaraton candidate Jared Bernhardt was waiting.
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) February 27, 2021
Jared Bernhardt joins elite company with his 200th career point as @TerpsMLax tops @PennStateMLAX 13-7.pic.twitter.com/0JPAEjUs8f
Bernhardt threw one fake and finished an easy goal, encapsulating a six-goal run through halftime that helped Maryland build a commanding lead late in the game. The star attackman finished with three goals and four assists. The Terps kept pace throughout the second half, leading to a 13-7 victory and a second Big Ten win of the young 2021 season.
The goal, though, carried plenty more significance; it was Bernhardt’s 200th career point, joining five others who have reached the milestone at Maryland (Matt Rambo, Bob Boniello, Joe Walters, Ray Altman and Frank Urso).
As much as the goal was notable for its historical ramifications, it also encompassed the total team effort Maryland showcased throughout the night. Maltz’s caused turnover was one of 14 on the night for the Terps, which needed a strong effort both on defense and on the ride to make up for a 17-7 faceoff margin in favor of the Nittany Lions.
Nick Grill was the star for the Maryland defense, causing two turnovers and picking up six ground balls. He also had the assignment of guarding Mac O’Keefe, one of the nation’s top offensive threats. O’Keefe finished with one goal on five shots, part of a night that saw Penn State score seven times on 23 shots on goal.
Seven players scored for Penn State, led by T.J. Malone's two points.
Sophomore goalie Logan McNaney came up big between the pipes for Maryland with 16 saves in just his fourth career start.
Despite the lockdown defensive effort, the win over Penn State may be most noted for the return of Bernhardt to his typical form. He had four points in a win over Michigan last weekend, but with seven points Friday, Bernhardt had his Maryland offense running smoothly through the second and third quarters.
Bernhardt wasn’t supposed to be playing at Maryland this season — he planned to play quarterback for Division II Ferris State during the 2020-21 year, but after the football season was canceled, he returned to College Park for his fifth season of college lacrosse.
John Tillman and his team are certainly happy he chose to come back, and Friday night served as a nice reminder. He helped lift teammates like Logan Wisnauskas (three goals, two assists) and Maltz (four goals, one assist and a great yard sale).
The season’s only a few weeks old, and the powerhouses of the ACC have made plenty of noise. However, an in-form Bernhardt mixed with a deep and talented defensive unit could make Maryland just as dangerous come May.