Maryland field hockey has built its reputation on defense, but the Terps’ growing offensive firepower have defined the team’s 5-2 start.
The Terps have overshot their opponents this season 105 to 41. The only game the Terps didn’t outshoot their opponent came in their Sept. 5 loss to Boston College, when both teams finished with eight attempts.
Since then, the Terps have at least doubled their opponents’ shot totals. Even in its loss against No. 7 Duke, Maryland took seven shots compared to three Blue Devils attempts. The Terps have yet to allow an opponent to reach double digit shot attempts — the most allowed was against former associate head coach Scott Tupper and Penn with nine.
Coach Missy Meharg said inexperience along the front line has hampered the Terps in their pair of ranked losses, with the team now looking to turn volume into more goals. Since Big Ten play started, success may hinge on those improvements.
“We’re still a work in progress with getting more finishes,” Meharg said.
Maryland’s best performance came against No. 20 Penn State. The Terps dominated throughout all levels, and outshot the Nittany Lions 20-3.
[Josie and Jordyn Hollamon’s goals lead Maryland field hockey to 3-1 win over Penn State]
Maryland has shown it can target specific areas for improvement to win games. While The Terps have no issue creating penalty corner opportunities, they failed to convert on these chances in their losses against Duke and Boston College. Meharg then emphasized extra practice the following week paid off.
The Terps have scored on a corner in their three games since, including the game winner with less than a minute left against No. 15 Saint Joseph’s on Sept. 14.
The team’s focus has now shifted to capitalizing on more shot attempts in Big Ten play. Forward Maci Bradford is the only upperclassman on the Terps’ front line while the Terps play many young players. Meharg noted this as a root for inconsistency.
“Everybody around [Bradford] is freshmen and sophomores,” Meharg said. “It’s the area that you have the least amount of space, and the area you need to have the most sophisticated or mature level [of knowing] which shot to take.”
[‘We always play the top’: Maryland field hockey prepares for grueling early-season tests]
Compared to Big Ten opponents, the Terps’ shot total isn’t as high as No. 1 Northwestern , No. 12 Michigan or Indiana , but its ability to prevent shots has been better than all of those teams — Maryland has allowed a conference-low 41 total shots.
With the youth across the lineup getting more experience and attempts alongside their defensive ability, the Terps are practicing to improve shot quality.
“There are so many varieties of shots, so we’re still a work in progress,” Meharg said. “We’re working on it every single day — connecting with each other, framing the goal cage, being responsible and detailed, and making sure that we’re not crowding each other.”
Maryland has eight conference games remaining this season, including five ranked matchups and another against No. 3 Virginia.
“The Big Ten is full of grit and competitiveness,” defender Josie Hollamon said. “I’m ready to see what we can do when we get to play tougher teams.”
