The Terps secured second place in the conference.
In its final 2024 regular season game, No. 7 Maryland field hockey traveled to State College, Pennsylvania, and defeated No. 17 Penn State, 4-2.
The Terps (12-5, 6-2 Big Ten) scored three goals in the third quarter.
The Nittany Lions (8-9, 2-6 Big Ten) entered the game in desperate need of a victory, having dropped four of their last five conference games. They looked to start fast, but Maryland’s defense clamped down early. A casual kick save from Klebasko 45 seconds in, off a rolling ball from Julienne van Bekkum, was the only save required for the Terps in the first quarter.
Just under four minutes into the game, the Terps produced their dream start, as an illegal block from Penn State led to a corner. Emma DeBerdine swung the second in for a Hope Rose shot that took a strong block from a Nittany Lion defender before bouncing back to her. Rose then dribbled past two defenders before dishing to Ella Gaitan, who redirected the ball around goalkeeper Lauren Delgado, leaving her helpless.
Maryland maintained control through the first 20 minutes of the game, outpossessing the Nittany Lions to keep its advantage. But, suddenly, the advantage disappeared.
A rare Nittany Lions break created a cross that came off Ericka Morris-Adams’ shin. Van Bekkum sent the entry to Sophia Gladieux, who sent a slap shot screaming past Klebasko for Gladieux’ 20th goal of the season
By this point, Maryland’s strong start fizzled out — while the Terps produced six shots and four penalty corners through the first six minutes, they did not record another shot or corner for the rest of the half.
But coming out of the break, the Terps found another gear offensively. The Terps won the ball off the restart and pushed forward. Kylee Niswonger got free down the right sideline for Maryland, sent the ball into the circle and Annemijn Klijnhout appeared from nowhere to put home the first chance of the half.
Having retaken the lead just 35 seconds into the quarter, Maryland continued to press for more. Three minutes later, Maci Bradford led another push down the right side of the Penn State defense. This time, she made it to the byline before sending a pass into a pocket of space in the middle.
Rose cut in front of her defender and got to the ball first — Delgado didn’t stand a chance to keep out Rose’s 10th goal of the season.
The Terps maintained momentum, forcing a defensive save from the Nittany Lions as well as two more saves from Delgado, with the offense overwhelming Penn State for the bulk of the third quarter.
With less than a minute remaining in the third quarter, Rose made a smart dribble through the penalty circle, beating three defenders to the goalkeeper’s right before firing a quick shot for Delgado to save. The rebound bounced in front, though, and Rose cleaned up after herself to give Maryland its fourth tally and put the game out of reach.
Having all but sealed the victory, the Terps played a relaxed fourth quarter, allowing Penn State to possess the ball more while keeping it at arm’s length.
Midfielder Sophia Mannino, who conceded the penalty corner that helped Maryland open the scoring, put a goal past Klebasko with just under a minute left, but it served as mere consolation for Penn State.
The Nittany Lions needed a win and some help to make the Big Ten Tournament, and are now officially eliminated, making the result even sweeter for the Terps.
Now returning home for the Big Ten Tournament, Maryland is prepared to see just how far it can go.
Three things to know
1. The Terps didn’t concede the first goal. In its previous 10 games with a goal conceded, Maryland had given up the opener every time, but the Terps scored first this time.
2. Rose hits double-digits. Rose scored her 10th and 11th goals of the season and provided an assist in an impressive attacking display on Friday. Rose has now scored at least 10 goals in all four of her collegiate seasons.
3. Maryland’s next match booked. Having locked up the No. 2 spot in the Big Ten, Maryland is set to play at 2 p.m. on Thursday in the second game of a tripleheader. Maryland will play Iowa, a team it beat on the road, 5-0, earlier this year, in the quarterfinals.