Certain athletes demand attention. They require that opposing coaches and players know exactly where they are on the field or court or ice at all times.

They force opponents to develop complex defensive systems in what is often a futile attempt to contain their irresistible individual talent.

Michael Jordan immediately comes to mind. Wayne Gretzky. Ted Williams. Pele.

And then there is two-time All-American Harvard lacrosse player Liz Berkery.

Do opposing coaches really alter their strategy when she's on the field?

"Do I do anything special against Liz Berkery," laughs Maryland Head Coach Cindy Timchal. "You mean besides changing my entire defensive scheme and switching defenders constantly to try to stop her?"

Senior Liz Berkery has developed her offensive talents to the point of scientific postulation. The Law of Berkery: no matter what, she will score.

As certain as gravity. As sure as the setting sun. Berkery will find a way to get the ball into the other team's net.

This year alone, the Wellesley, Mass., native amassed 65 points and more amazingly, Berkery led her team in goals in 11 out of the Crimson's 16 games. The 1993 Ivy Player of the Year, she scored five goals in a game three times and four goals in a game five times this season.

"Clearly, Berkery is the best player in the country offensively," Timchal says. "She's used to being double and triple teamed."

And if by chance Berkery cannot get her deadly accurate shot off, she feeds her teammates with pin-point passes for easy goals. Berkery led her team this year with 17 assists, and her passing game has improved considerably over the years.

In fact, Berkery says she enjoys dishing off to an open teammate much more than actually scoring goals.

"I like a good pass a lot more than a good goal," she says.

Of course, with teams faceguarding her constantly and making sure that two or three players obstruct her path at all times, Berkery has been able to do a lot of damage passing as well as whipping the ball past goalies herself.

"She opens up much space because teams know they have to deal with her," junior Emily Buxton says. "She makes cuts, picks and passes so well that it's so easy for everyone else to score."

Berkery has been working her magic on the lacrosse field since her freshman year at Wellesley High School, but the three-time first team All-Ivy selection began her lacrosse days in the unlikely position of stopping shots instead of taking them.