Being number one in the nation is tiring.

But even after fighting through a five-game stint in nine days, the top-ranked field hockey team still had the talent and depth to defeat No. 13-ranked James Madison 4-2 at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex yesterday.

A three-goal flurry in the first half – led by midfielder Berber Rischen’s second game-winning goal of the weekend – put the Terps up 4-1.

“Sometimes you need to just accept the battle and take the outcome and say, ‘Well done,'” coach Missy Meharg said. “I do take responsibility for five games in nine days. These were five very tough games, and we did very well.”

The Terps also used goals from five different players Saturday to down No. 8-ranked Boston College 5-0 in their first ACC game of the season.

A key to both games was the team’s tight defense, which ranks third in the country in both shutout percentage and goals against average.

“[Maryland’s] back four and their midfield are very, very tough,” said Boston College assistant head coach Andrew Griffiths, who served under Meharg as an assistant coach with the Terps for seven years. “They have great experience in their two center backs, and even when you get some penetration into the attacking half, getting into the circle is very tough. They’re just really strong back there and they’re practiced at playing important games.”

Behind the defensive unit, junior goalie Kathryn Masson continued her strong play in the net. She ranks in the top three spots in the country in both goals against average and save percentage.

The Terp attack – which led the ACC with a 4.17 goals per game average entering the weekend – also continued its strong play. Freshman forward Nicole Muracco maintained her torrid scoring pace with goals in both games. Her seven tallies of the season put her in sole possession of the goal-scoring lead on the team.

Senior captain Paula Infante notched a goal and an assist over the weekend and moved into seventh place in the program’s history with 52 career goals.

With the team’s consistently potent offense and average scoring margin of 4.4 goals more than opponents, Meharg has had the chance to use a variety of players and exercise the depth of her bench.

“We’re still molding,” Meharg said. “In terms of some of the younger players getting opportunities, we want to see a three goal difference before that happens. We’re just affording a lot of people the opportunity to compete.”

Meharg said the fatigue was evident in yesterday’s game, but the team will have this week to rest and prepare for its most important match to date – a road game next Saturday against Wake Forest, which is also ranked No.1.

Contact reporter Geremy Bass at geremybass@gmail.com.