Q: "Grant Catalino, please describe your performance against Fairfield in one word." A: "Asskicking."

“Rout”, “onslaught”, “deluge”, and “thumping” were four of the words used to describe Maryland’s 17-4 drubbing of Fairfield on Saturday.  Despite being down four starters, Fairfield still brought a legit squad to Byrd Stadium, led by standout goalie Joseph Marra.  As the Capitals found out in the first round of the NHL playoffs, a defensive minded underdog with a hot goalie can present a trap game to a top team like the Terps.

The Terps came out focused and did not letdown.  Maryland jumped out to a 6-0 lead by the end of the first period and never looked back.  The Terps got hat tricks from sophomore Joe Cummings and junior Grant Catalino, who had four goals and an assist on the day.  The also seniors got into the act on Senior Day as Fran Gormley and Adam Sear both tacked on a goal apiece.

Maryland has one regular season test left at Colgate before preparing for the postseason.  The Terps are currently ranked #3 in the country and sport a #2 spot in RPI.  Assuming they hold serve against Colgate, the Terps be as high as the #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which starts on Saturday, 5/15.  Maryland is all but guaranteed a Byrd Stadium home game in the first round, which is a key advantage.  The semifinals and finals will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore this year, which also can’t hurt.

Having almost finished its eighth consecutive ten win regular season, Maryland needs to protect against letdown again this weekend.  The Terps have been burning hot for a long time.  They need to keep the momentum going for four more weeks in order to achieve the ultimate goal of bringing Maryland its first NCAA Championship since 1975.