Maryland forward Maci Bradford fouled a Blue Devil defender midway through the third quarter in an attempt to regain possession.

Following the whistle, Duke sent a long pass down the right flank that fell to Josephine Palde after a string of passes. The senior midfielder took advantage of the hole in Maryland’s defense, firing a low shot past goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko to take a one-goal lead.

Palde’s strike proved to be the dagger. Despite the No. 5 Blue Devils recording just three shot attempts — and one on goal — No. 4 Maryland field hockey’s offense sputtered en route to a 1-0 loss on the last day of the Big Ten/ACC Cup Sunday in Evanston, Illinois.

The Duke (3-1) attack applied heavy pressure in the early going, but a pair of referrals in the match’s opening three minutes both went Maryland’s (3-1) way to keep the Blue Devils off the scoresheet.

[Individual excellence has allowed Maryland field hockey to overcome low-block defenses]

A scramble ensued in front of the Terps’ goal following a Duke penalty corner. The chaos ended as Duke’s Macy Szukics flicked the ball into the back of Maryland’s cage, but the opening goal never stood. The referees determined there was a Blue Devil stick obstruction in the build up play following a review.

It appeared the Blue Devils had won another penalty corner just a minute later. An incensed Klebasko was instead called for a referral, and the referees determined the ball hit the foot of a Duke player. The penalty corner was chalked out.

Maryland’s attack started to find its rhythm after the Blue Devils couldn’t convert their early chances.

Maryland’s first two shooting chances fell to Hope Rose midway through the first quarter. Both of her attempts were comfortably saved by Duke’s Frederique Wollaert.

The Terps continued creating the better chances in the second quarter as they outshot the Blue Devils, 5-0, in the period. But only one of those five were placed on-target, and they held Maryland shotless for the final eight minutes of the half despite a pair of Duke green cards.

Duke’s stout defense sent the two sides to halftime in a scoreless tie.

[No. 4 Maryland Field Hockey cruises past No. 17 Boston College, 2-0, in Big Ten, ACC cup]

Maryland’s attacking pressure persisted into the third quarter. Palde’s goal — which came on Duke’s lone shot of the second half — was certainly against the run of play. Palde’s shot itself was precise, as she wedged it between Klebasko’s left foot and the near post.

With Maryland on the attack, Duke absorbed a host of pressure the rest of the way.

The Terps were awarded a penalty corner just over a minute after falling behind. Josie Holloman received the entry pass at the top of the circle and sent a blistering shot on goal, but a sprawling save from Wollaert pushed the attempt wide to help preserve Duke’s advantage.

A fourth-quarter yellow card against Duke once again handed the Terps an 11-on-10 advantage — this time for five minutes — but like the second quarter, Maryland came up with nothing to show for it.

Maryland only managed one shot in the final period despite holding possession for the vast majority of the fourth quarter. Coach Missy Meharg pulled Klebasko with over three minutes to play.

A frustrating afternoon in attack saw the Terps leave Evanston with their first loss of the season.