Two top-10 teams in three days proved to be business as usual for the Terrapin field hockey team.
The second-ranked Terps (4-0) were barely tested, trouncing No. 9 Michigan 5-1 on the road Sunday and No. 8 Old Dominion 8-1 at home Friday.
But in light of the successful weekend, the reaction from players and coaches was rather tame.
“These wins definitely show us what we’re capable of, but in the same boat, we can’t get too excited about beating two top-10 teams,” said junior goalkeeper Alicia Grater, who has allowed just one goal this season. “It’s still early, and there will be better teams we’ll need to play.”
Still, the team should have plenty to be happy about. The Terps are implementing a new formation this season and Coach Missy Meharg said they displayed a breakthrough in execution over the weekend.
“The whole group seemed to really take a step forward in understanding the positioning and triangles that exist within the new formation,” Meharg said. “We raised the bar in terms of understanding the system and getting to know each other. We were more aware of our teammates on the field.”
The Terps broke from a trend of slow starts, striking for a combined nine first-half goals in the two games.
It took only seven minutes for the Terps to strike against Michigan, when sophomore midfielder forward Katie O’Donnell redirected a pass from senior back Susie Rowe off of a penalty corner.
“Our main goal was to come out in the first five minutes, and I think we did that,” said junior forward Nicole Muracco, who scored in both games. “Although it didn’t turn into goals right away, we had the momentum; we had everything going for us.”
The Terps’ attack has been relentless, netting 13 goals over the weekend. Against Michigan, the Terps held a 31-5 advantage in shots.
O’Donnell has led the Terps’ attack, scoring six goals and adding an assist in the past two contests. She led the team in scoring last season and has picked up right where she left off after garnering ACC offensive player of the year accolades in her freshman campaign.
“Katie is a world-class forward; if she’s in a position to score, she’s going to score,” Meharg said. “She’s able to play in the midfield and forward line because of her defense and it creates a tactical uncertainty for our opponents. You have to keep an eye on her.”
In the end, it seems the wins simply amount to the better team taking care of business.
The Terps are not making a big deal out of their weekend success, saying the toughest competition has yet to be seen.
“I’m anticipating that, once again, the best hockey is in the ACC,” Meharg said. “Right now, we’re getting our feet under us and building and growing, but we’re excited with where we are.”
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