The Terps’ seniors signed off in style.
While Maryland field hockey’s 3-0 victory over Richmond on Sunday at The Plex was straightforward, the Terps’ emotions entering the day were anything but.
Maryland’s 50-year anniversary tour is nearing its conclusion, with Sunday’s game marking Senior Day for several players who have been instrumental in the Terps’ success over recent years.
“We’re just really lucky to be part of a team that has seven great seniors,” sophomore Josie Hollamon said. “They’re a great group of girls, and they’re the best teammates we could ask for. So, we just wanted to come out here today and play our hearts out for them.”
Before the game, the Terps held presentations for the seven players set to graduate. Carly Hynd, Alina Gerke, Kylee Niswonger, Emma DeBerdine, Rayne Wright, Hope Rose and Paige Kieft took pictures with friends and family that went onto the field with flowers.
Maryland (11-5, 5-2 Big Ten) did its best to get Senior Day off to a flying start. A quick scare from Valen Luna Paratore 50 seconds in to the game for Richmond was cleaned up by Kieft, and the Terps took up the mantle from there. Early efforts from Hynd, Rose and Fleur Knopert were saved by Spider goalkeeper Kristen Rake.
But the Terps could not be denied forever. With four minutes remaining in the first quarter, Maryland won its second corner of the game. DeBerdine’s entry went to Ella Gaitan, and the freshman’s low drive was deflected over the diving goalkeeper by Knopert.
Richmond (10-7, 4-2 Atlantic 10) tried to possess and progress in the second quarter, but the Spiders found it difficult to transition through the cohesive Maryland press. In a game that was going to be won in the midfield, the Terps dominated, doing what they wanted with the ball for large stretches of the game.
A lot was continually asked of Richmond’s defense, with a team effort from Maryland forcing spectacular work from Rake. The goalkeeper turned in 10 total saves in an impressive effort. Another penalty corner three minutes before halftime stretched the advantage for Maryland, though.
Hollamon took a touch from DeBerdine’s entry to her right, baited her defender and reversed the ball to Gaitan. The freshman hammered the shot away from Rake and into the net for her seventh goal of the season. Having scored multiple goals in a game for the third time this year, Gaitan effusively credited the performance to her teammates.
“This team is a really easy team to mesh with because all the girls truly do care for each other,” said Gaitan. “I rely a lot on my team when we’re talking about [my success].”
After Maryland’s second tally, the team found success in taking complete control. Even with a yellow card for Rose and a green for Gerke, Maryland completely dominated the rest of the game’s proceedings.
Richmond had occasional ventures into the offensive zone, but the Spiders’ shot in the first minute turned out to be their only of the game. Kieft earned her first shutout start since August of last season, to the enjoyment of her team.
“For us, it’s super rewarding. We have two very, very good goalies,” Meharg said. “We’re in a good place.”
The team was cohesive throughout, working together and stringing several passes in a way that was absent on Friday against Princeton. As time went on, the Terps continued to look more and more comfortable.
In the dying minutes of the game, a Maryland chance bounced off sticks in the offensive circle like a pinball machine. Having taken up a good spot to the side of the goalkeeper, the ball fell to Rose, who turned it in for a final exclamation point. Rose is now a goal shy of her fourth double-digit scoring season for the Terps.
“She’s a winner … and I that love about her. She is an absolutely vicious competitor, so it’s an honor to coach her,” said Meharg.
Looking ahead, the Terps travel to No.17 Penn State on Friday for their last game before the Big Ten Tournament. A win against the Nittany Lions will guarantee Maryland a second-place conference finish.
While it has been a bumpy road to this point, the Terps have a chance to end the regular season off right. Performances like Sunday’s will only help Maryland as it tries to grow into the potential that has been on display all season.
Three things to know
1. Penalty corners improving. The Terps converted 2-of-4 penalty corners today, reflecting a unit that is coming into form at the right time. Maryland has a 62.5% corner conversion percentage over its last three games.
2. Yellow card again for Maryland. After no yellow cards through the first 14 games, the Terps earned one for the second game in a row. Ericka Morris-Adams threw her stick on Friday to keep the ball in play and Rose committed a hard foul. Maryland will hope that particular trend can be bucked moving forward.
3. Depth on display. The Terps had 18 players log at least seven minutes on the field today, with several less heralded players shining in the opportunity handed to them in the second half. That depth will be needed if the Terps are to make good on their Big Ten Tournament home-field advantage.