The Terrapin field hockey team outscored its opponents 15-1 to start its title-defending season 3-0.
Tuesday’s 5-0 win over California in Berkeley, Calif., wrapped up the West Coast trip on another high note following a 6-0 rout of Pacific and a 4-1 triumph over Stanford.
With eight freshmen on the roster, the young guns played a major role in the successful trip. Forward Nicole Murraco scored two goals against Stanford and forward Alexis Pappas’ early tally ended up being the game-winner Tuesday.
“They’re really coachable and they’re so excited,” coach Missy Meharg said of the freshmen on the team. “There’s such a passion and energy for the tradition of the program. They’re playing like they’ve been playing at Maryland for a long time.”
In addition to the importance of the youngest players on the team, three-time first team All-American Paula Infante continued to display her dominance. The senior captain amassed four goals and two assists in California, and Tuesday became just the ninth player in school history to score 50 career goals.
The team returns to action Saturday with a noon matchup against Old Dominion University, which is also undefeated through three games.
-Geremy Bass
