Maryland knew it would be a tough task to replace a history-making midfielder and All-American defender, but the Terrapins focused on what they returned, not what they lost.

Thanks to the growth of the sophomore class, a key freshmen addition, a headlining junior and a group of seniors that is enjoying its chance to shine, the Terrapins are right where they were a year ago. Maryland is unbeaten at 9-0 and ranked No. 1 as they prepare to host No. 3 Florida (8-1) today.

“It’s kind of progressed as we’ve gone along,” said Maryland coach Cathy Reese. “It’s not surprising. We know what these guys are capable of. I think it’s exciting to watch and know that we’re only halfway through the season and we’re still continuing to try to get better.”

Florida is another test for a Maryland team that hasn’t missed a beat after graduating the first three-time Tewaaraton Trophy winner Taylor Cummings and fellow four-year starter, defender Alice Mercer, along with starting midfielder Bryn Boucher. The Terrapins are on the young side, but are more experienced than last year when they lost more starters from 2015.

“We do have a couple returners with experience,” Reese said. “I think having a couple years under your belt is definitely adding confidence to the mix.”

Seniors Zoe Stukenberg and Nadine Hadnagy are four-year starters in the midfield and defense respectively, and Megan Whittle is a three-year starter on attack to give all three positions experienced leadership. Whittle and Stukenberg are the top two scorers for the Terrapins, who have the No. 3 scoring offense nationally. They sit behind Caroline Wannen for assists, a senior who started and also led the team in assists last year.

“She’s an example of one of those playing with more confidence,” Reese said. “When she can do that and really enable the people around her, that’s going to help us get better and help these young ones along.”

Reese points to the sophomores’ strides with pride. Jen Giles played in all 23 games last year in the midfield, and her improved play has her three points away from equaling the 30 that she tallied last year.

"She’s coming into a spot where she’s in great shape," said Reese. "She’s a really good defender. She’s really good on the offensive end. Where we did have two losses to graduation in Taylor and Bryn, she’s able to step up and step in that role and play alongside Zoe, having had the experience of playing alongside Taylor and Zoe last year, and step into that role as a really good two-sided midfielder for us.”

Fellow sophomores Julia Braig, Caroline Steele and Megan Taylor are all improved after starting as freshmen. Steele is part of a dynamic attack, and Braig plays defense in front of Taylor, who is second in the country in save percentage.

“We have a great goalie in the cage,” Reese said. “She makes some phenomenal saves. She’s had an excellent year so far and our defense has played great.”

The defense includes senior Morgan Torggler and redshirt junior Alex McKay, both who started last year. Megan Doherty is a redshirt freshman on defense.

“She comes in with having a year of watching and learning which is probably a good experience for her to learn defensively what we’re looking for when she’s called upon to contribute,” Reese said. “Everyone has a unique situation and unique story and I think we just try to put all the pieces together to be the best that we can.”

PHOTO BY JOHN STROHSACKER

The Terrapins have turned to a true freshman to fill the hole on draw control left by Cummings’ graduation. Kali Hartshorn leads Maryland with 47 draw controls, which is in the Top 25 nationally. Hartshorn is strong, aggressive and sits fourth offensively for Maryland with 23 points.

“Kali is one of these players who’s learning a lot as she goes,” Reese said. “She’s learning how to make adjustments on the fly, to adapt what she needs to do to be successful in that area and we’ve seen her come a long way since the start. She’s going to be a player who’s fun for us to watch as she continues to develop. Our people on the circle and in the 30s are really helping her. This year, it’s not relying on that person in the center to come up with it, it’s making sure we all have a part in coming up with each possession.”

Possession will be important against a Florida team that ranks tops in scoring offense, seventh in draw controls and second in ground balls per game. Last year, the Gators were the young team overcoming the loss of a Tewaaraton finalist, Shannon Gilroy. They lost only once in the regular season – to Maryland. The winner today will stake their claim as the No. 1 team in the country.

“The opportunity to really challenge ourselves with playing another team that is one of the top teams in the nation is what we’re most excited for,” Reese said. “I’m sure Florida is too. It’s just the chance to have a great game and great competition.”