Maryland field hockey entered the weekend with the perfect opportunity to ease a young roster into its first Big Ten-road trip. The Terps were a combined 31-1 all-time against their two opponents.
While Maryland fell to Ohio State in overtime to start the trip, it bounced back Sunday against Michigan State. The No. 11 Terps recorded 19 more shots than the Spartans and won 2-0 at Ralph Young Field.
Maryland (7-4, 3-1 Big Ten) improved to 14-0 in program history against Michigan State. The Terps attempted 14 shots on goal, scoring in each half.
The statistical dominance was not evident for long parts of Sunday. The Terps only led by one until 5:29 left in the game, despite outshooting the Spartans 17-1 in the first half and earning all nine penalty corners in the opening 30 minutes.
The teams entered with similar offensive numbers, though the Terps faced a much tougher non-conference schedule featuring multiple ranked opponents. Maryland came in tied for fewest goals in the Big Ten, but broke through against a Michigan State (3-8, 0-4 Big Ten) squad on a five-game skid.
“We played tactically. We made some changes and I think we did very well with it,” coach Missy Meharg said. “We rushed our shots a little bit [and] could have taken more time [at] getting good looks and maybe pass to a teammate.”
[In first Big Ten road game, Maryland field hockey falls to Ohio State 2-1 in overtime]
Jordyn Hollamon’s fifth goal of the season put the Terps ahead in the eleventh minute. Maryland’s offense was inconsistent after, but Ella Gaitan added a score in the fourth quarter with her team-lead tying fifth goal of the season to seal the victory.
Michigan State’s offense recorded only six shots, another poor offensive outing this season. 11 different Spartans have scored a goal, but the team lacks a main attacker — seven players came in tied with two goals each.
As the clock continued to wind and the Spartans’ defense kept them within striking range, the lack of a reliable threat proved costly. Only three shots on goal in Michigan State’s limited time of possession kept the Terps in control throughout.
The Spartans are yet to score in conference play, while Maryland entered with only 11 goals allowed for the season.
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Goalkeeper Lyra Gavino struggled in the net, having allowed 26 goals in eight starts and earning only one win. Despite the Spartans’ attack rarely helping her on Sunday, she recorded eight first half saves on nine shots faced to hold the Terps to one score.
Michigan State’ s offense created its best chance in the fourth quarter, earning two straight penalty corners. Maryland goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko made crucial saves, though, while the Terps’ defense swarmed the attack off deflections.
“She’s outstanding,” Meharg said. “She had to make three very important saves and she made all of them — she’s very much a player of the game in that way when you’re playing against underdogs.”
Gaitan’s goal put the game out of reach with under six minutes to play. While the Terps handled a weak conference opponent, they have three losses to ranked opponents and next face No. 10 Iowa on Friday.
“We’re a work in progress in [the offensive struggles] … we’re working on it pretty much every day,” Meharg said.
