The No. 1 Terrapin field hockey team dominated much of today’s contest against No. 20 Old Dominion, remaining undefeated with a solid non-conference win against on a cold and rainy afternoon at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex.

Forward Nicole Muracco led the way for the Terps, assisting on the team’s first goal and scoring the following two en route to a 6-3 win over the visiting Monarchs. Back Emma Thomas also contributed two goals off penalty corners as the Terps recorded the school’s first victory of Homecoming weekend.

“It’s exciting to start Homecoming with a win for the school. It was really our first cold, rainy game of the season, and we were able to get past it and put together an all-around team effort,” Muracco said.

Muracco now leads the Terps with 20 goals.

After a sloppy start, the Terps took control, dominating play in the first half. Muracco’s second goal was the offensive highlight of the game, as she received a long pass from midfielder Kristina Foster on the doorstep of the goal to give the Terps a 3-0 lead late in the first half.

The Terps offensive dominance continued into the second half, as they established a 5-0 lead before coach Missy Meharg put several reserves into the game. The Monarchs scored their three goals in the last 11 minutes of the game.

The Terps (15-0, 4-0 ACC) defeated the Monarchs (6-9) 6-3 in their first matchup on Sept. 4, and the season sweep has earned the Terps a 23-22 edge in the teams’ all-time series.

Freshman Harriet Tibble scored her first career goal as the home team outshot the Monarchs 27-16.

Goalies Alicia Grater and Melissa Vassalotti combined for seven saves in net for the Terps, while Old Dominion goalie Kelly Driscoll played well in the loss, making 10 saves, including a beautiful glove save on a close-range Muracco backhand.

The Terps have two key away games coming up against No. 17 Delaware on Sunday and ACC foe and No. 2-ranked North Carolina next Saturday.

The Tar Heels are also unbeaten on the year. The defending champions will wrap up their home schedule on Oct. 30 against Stanford.

sports@umdbk.com