Bernhardt the boss on offense as No. 3 Terps top Knights

Senior attackman produces career-high 6 goals in battle between ranked teams

Senior attackman Jared Bernhardt scored a career-high six goals and No. 3 Maryland wore down No. 4 Rutgers in the fourth period as the Terps defeated the Scarlet Knights 19-12 at Maryland Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Berhardt’s career high had been five goals, but he scored his sixth with 4 minutes, 42 seconds left in the game to put Maryland ahead 19-11. His last goal finished a sevengoal spurt in the fourth period as the Terps (4-0), inverting a lot behind the cage with their midfielders, outscored Rutgers 7-1 following a Maryland 11-10 lead at the end of the third period.

After Bernhardt’s last goal Rutgers coach Brian Brecht pulled his goalie to play defense in an attempt to rally, but it was too late for the Scarlet Knights (3-1), who wilted under Maryland’s offensive pressure.

While Bernhardt got most of the notoriety, the Terps had several other unsung heroes, particularly senior faceoff specialist Justin Shockey.

He won 6 of 11 faceoffs in the fourth period, four to open the quarter. That not only allowed Maryland to control the ball but rest its defensive midfielders.

“He was huge,” said Bernhardt of Shockey, who won 18 of 35 faceoffs for the game. “He was able to get us some possessions and that allowed our defense to rest. Even when things are not going his way he keeps going back to the X. He is good for us because he knows our defense and offense are relentless, and so is he.”

Maryland also outplayed Rutgers in the midfield in the fourth period, especially junior Kyle Long and senior Anthony DeMaio.

Long finished with three goals and an assist, while DeMaio had one goal and an assist.

One of Long’s goals came in the closing seconds of the third quarter, and another came midway in the fourth. Both helped changed the momentum of the game.

DeMaio beat Rutgers midfielder Brennan Kamish for a goal which put the Terps ahead 15-11 with 11:33 remaining.

“You guys don’t see it every day, but I do,” said Bernhardt. “I see how hard these guys are working every day and it’s nice to see it on the field.”

The game appeared that it might go down to the last shot. It was fast-paced, and Rutgers got outstanding offense from attackman Adam Charalambides (four goals) and Kieran Mullins (three goals).

But Bernhardt was spectacular, at one time turning defenseman Jaryd Jean-Felix in a circle two times before scoring from the left of the goal early in the fourth period. It was highlight material.

“I am biased, but I think he is the best player in the country,” said Terps coach John Tillman. “He does everything well, whether it’s dodging off ball, ground balls, finishing, feeding. Right now, he seems to be getting double-teamed, and if you don’t [do that], he is going to get to good spots.

“If you do double-team, he is selfless enough to find the right guy.”