Defender Ali McEvoy high fives fans after the Terps defeated Princeton, 3-2, to clinch a spot in the national semifinals Nov. 17, 2013.
While sitting in the lounge of the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex on Sunday afternoon, Ali McEvoy reflected on her career with the Terrapins field hockey team.
The Terps just beat Princeton, 3-2, in the second round of the NCAA tournament, meaning that the senior defender would make her fourth straight appearance in the national semifinals. McEvoy’s postseason success surpasses that of former forward Katie O’Donnell, the team’s all-time leader in goals, assists and points, who had three semifinal appearances.
“Being able to always believe and being able to know that we can always get better really has helped us to achieve that kind of a goal,” McEvoy said.
With an assist and a strong second-half performance in the backline, McEvoy led the Terps in their win over the Tigers.
Solid defense was a key factor in the team’s past two wins, but it didn’t look like that trend would continue in Sunday’s contest. Princeton broke into the circle and drew a penalty corner in the opening minutes, and the Terps were outmatched on the set play.
The Tigers set up a decoy at the top of the circle, and the fake opened up space for forward Sydney Kirby, who scored from the top left of the circle.
“It was a really, really well-executed penalty corner,” coach Missy Meharg said. “It was beautiful, and I’m not so sure that on any day a defense could’ve stopped that.”
McEvoy remained calm, however, as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year organized a team huddle after the goal. The Terps drew a penalty corner three minutes after play resumed, and McEvoy’s shot found midfielder Anna Dessoye, who deflected the ball into the goal to tie the game.
The team had to recover again after Princeton took a 2-1 lead with about 30 seconds left in the first period. Midfielder Jill Witmer, also a senior, tied the game with six seconds remaining.
The goal marked a turning point for the Terps. McEvoy’s communication helped the Terps limit defensive miscues, and the Tigers struggled to generate scoring opportunities.
“She talks very early,” Meharg said. “So it’s very clear to the people in front of her what she wants done.”
McEvoy helped orchestrate the defense in the central midfield, which was key to stifling Princeton’s offense in the second half. Terps midfielder Maxine Fluharty contained Tigers midfielder Michelle Cesan, giving her less space to find teammates and start counterattacks.
“I thought Maxine Fluharty at center midfield really handled Michelle Cesan,” Meharg said. “To handle her in some channels, and then double-teaming, she was first class.”
McEvoy provided cover in case Princeton found a way to break through the midfield line, preventing the Tigers from getting shots on goal.
Goalkeeper Natalie Hunter didn’t have to make a save in the second half, a result of the team’s defensive organization. And when McEvoy and the rest of the senior class make their fourth straight semifinal appearance, they’ll try for another feat O’Donnell couldn’t achieve in her illustrious career: a third national title.
“We’re exceedingly excited to move on,” Meharg said. “I’m very proud of the women. I’m proud of the entire program for finding a way to beat a very talented, very experienced and the former national champions in Princeton.”