When freshman Meghan Collins takes the field with the Massachusetts women's soccer team against Providence on Sunday, she should be very familiar with the assignment of shutting down one of the Friars' top scorers.
That's because her twin sister, Courtney, will be playing off the bench for Providence (4-1).
Throughout their careers, they have played on the same team, in high school and club, FC Delco Pennsylvania. The sisters are used to playing midfield together and could've done the same for UMass (3-1-2) if Courtney chose to commit.
"It would've been fun because we play together pretty well," Meghan said. "It would've been just like high school."
She ultimately decided against continuing the tradition of playing on the same team as Meghan and committed to Providence. But Courtney's decision against playing for the Minutewomen didn't bother her.
"It really didn't matter to me if she was going to be [at UMass] or not because I was looking for the best fit and I think the same thing is true with her," Meghan said.
Although they grew up playing the same position, they are very different players and have opposite roles on their respective teams. Meghan is the lone freshman on defense for the Minutewomen in place of junior Katie Ruggles, who is currently out with an injury.
Coach Jim Rudy describes Meghan as an intelligent and versatile player who plays well beside seniors Tina Rodriguez and Melissa Toulouse.
"She has experience playing in the back, but we feel she's very flexible and she's filled in [for Ruggles] quite capably," Rudy said.
In her place, Meghan has done more than become a stopper for UMass. She also plays a role in the offense, recording two assists on long passes this season.
Meghan's skills so far have earned her a spot in the starting lineup where Rudy has given her the nod for three games.
Courtney has been an offensive spark for the Friars behind a veteran group of midfielders. Despite being in a limited role, she is tied with Tara Ricciardi, who has a team-high of three goals.
"[Courtney] is a very technical and skillful player," UMass coach Jim Rudy said.
She also played a key role in one of the wins for Providence, scoring the game-winner against Hartford in the Friars' 2-1 victory. Courtney scored the goal with 17 seconds left to put Providence over the top.
"I hear she's doing really well so I'm happy for her," Meghan said. "I know she's a good player."
Since the Collins sisters have packed their bags, they haven't had time to see each other and haven't talked much since leaving for school. Their separation is a big reason why Meghan looks at Sunday as more than just another game.
She is excited to be reunited with Courtney, even if she's playing for the other side.
"I've never played against her in my whole life so this is a first," Meghan said. "We're just excited."
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