The No. 1-ranked field hockey team will enter tonight’s game against Princeton coming off a losing effort, a feeling the players haven’t had to deal with all season.
After winning 12 straight contests to open its championship-defending season, the Terrapins were shut out by Duke Saturday, the team’s first loss in 21 games dating back to last year. It was also the first time an opponent shutout the Terps since Nov. 19, 2004.
The Terps haven’t faced an unranked team in nearly a month, and before defeating Delaware Sept. 13, they had trouble against also-unranked Temple early in the season. Many players said they learned a lesson from the 2-1 win over Temple and know not to take less-powerful opponents lightly.
Historically, coach Missy Meharg has rebounded well after losses. In her 19-year stint at the helm of the Terps’ program, she has lost only 16 games coming off a defeat in the regular season.
Princeton lost to No. 10 Connecticut in its last game, but is 4-0 in Ivy League play and is also 3-1 at home, the Class of ’52 Stadium in Princeton, N.J.
The Terps are 10-4-1 all-time against Princeton and haven’t lost to the Tigers since 1998.
Contact reporter Geremy Bass at geremybass@gmail.com.
