No. 10 Maryland field hockey’s defense thrives in 1-0 win vs No. 12 Michigan

Photo by Rose Fernandes/ Maryland Terrapins. Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics

When Maryland field hockey played Michigan in the Big Ten Semifinals last season, the Terps’ defense faltered, surrendering two goals in the final 16 minutes — with the game-tying goal coming with four seconds left.

The Terps held another one-goal lead in the final minutes of Friday’s contest against Michigan, heading into the fourth quarter, but the Terps’ defense held the Wolverines shotless. 

Backed by stellar defense, No. 10 Maryland (6-2, 2-0 Big Ten) edged past No.12 Michigan (5-3, 1-1 Big Ten) 1-0  at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex.

“I thought in the second quarter, we got that [dominance] back, and I think in the third and fourth we dominated the game.” Coach Meharg “[I’m] super proud of the women, that’s a very good team to hold Abby Tamer.”

Tamer entered the contest as Michigan’s top offensive player, leading the Wolverines in goals and tied for the team lead in points. But the 2024 Olympian was stifled by Maryland’s defense, limiting the redshirt junior to one shot — her lowest total since Aug. 31 against Wake Forest.

Offense came at a premium in the first half as the two teams combined for just three shots. Both teams were aggressive defensively, keeping most of the play in the midfield and quickly pressing whenever the ball advanced to the defensive zone.

Despite Michigan’s press defense, the Terps still managed four first-half penalty corners — with its best coming on its final opportunity.

The Terps ran a set play, quickly moving the ball to defender Josie Hollamon. The junior entered the game with three penalty corner goals, but her shot was redirected over the net by the right foot of goalkeeper Hala Silverstein. The redshirt sophomore finished the half with two saves.

The Wolverines had split time between Silverstein and graduate student goalkeeper Caylie McMahon all season and continued that trend in the second half.

Michigan started the second half strong, producing consecutive penalty corners. But the Wolverines only generated one shot on goal, which junior goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko stopped.

In the last matchup against Michigan, Klebasko tallied seven saves. But Friday’s matchup proved much different as Maryland’s defense blocked a majority of Michigan’s shots, forcing Klebasko to make just two saves.

Similar to the first half, most of the third quarter play remained at midfield. But with roughly 5:30 remaining in the third quarter, Maryland’s midfield play generated a turnover, giving the Terps a chance to strike in transition. 

The Terps did just that as junior forward Maci Bradford feathered a pass for fellow forward Ella Gaitan. The sophomore pivoted to her right before sliding a shot past goalkeeper Caylie McMahon.

The goal was the only score Maryland needed as the Terps’ defense prevented the Wolverines from recording a shot in the fourth quarter and limited their penalty corner opportunities to just two all game.

The Terps’ strong defensive performance is a promising sign for a group that prepares for its fourth consecutive match against a ranked opponent. The Terps will play No. 8 Princeton on Sunday.