No. 11 Maryland field hockey dominates Michigan State 2-0 for first road win of the season

Maryland field hockey dominated the field against Michigan State and took an early lead on a goal from two-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week Jordyn Hollamon, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Backed by strong offensive possession and a lead-securing goal by sophomore forward Ella Gaitan, No. 11 Maryland (7-4, 3-1 Big Ten) defeated Michigan State 2-0 ( 3-8, 0-4 Big Ten ) at Ralph Young Field in East Lansing, Michigan.

The win marks Maryland’s 18th consecutive victory over Michigan State and the Terps’ first road win of the season.

Maryland dominated time of possession on the forward line.

With 5:29 left in the fourth quarter, junior defender Josie Hollamon dribbled into the scoring area and was able to slide around two Michigan State defenders to pass it to midfielder AJ Eyre.  The sophomore flung the ball toward the goal, setting up Gaitan to bunt the ball into the net.

The assist was Eyre’s first of the season and Gaitan’s fourth goal of the year.

Maryland came out strong in the first quarter, with junior forward Maci Bradford gaining a penalty corner just 1:30 into the game. Michigan State was prepared, though, denying three of their shots on goal. 

The Terps stayed aggressive offensively with 12 shots in just the first quarter, one of which produced a goal. With 4:43 left in the first quarter, Bradford slid the ball past a Michigan State defender to freshman forward Jordyn Hollamon, throwing off junior goalkeeper Lyra Gavino who barely missed the block.  The score was Jordyn Hollamon’s fifth career goal.

“I was glad that I was able to finish that ball. A great ball from Maci for me to be able to finish,” Jordyn Hollamon said. “I was just there in the right spot, the right time.”

The Terps dominated the forward line and shooting opportunities throughout the match., They had a total of 10 corners, 25 shots and 14 shots on goal this game

Maryland was able to consistently hold possession and gain possession after turnovers, but throughout the first 10 minutes of the game, it wasn’t able to utilize those opportunities in the scoring area. Michigan State’s defense, especially Gavino, denied Maryland’s attack.

Gavino, who is currently second in Michigan for saves per game, had 12 saves this game, nearing her season high of 14 saves. She was key to preventing even more Terps goals, despite letting two shots slip past her.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Michigan State had its best offensive opportunities. The Spartans took two penalty corners in a row, with three shots on goal blocked each time by junior goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko.

Maryland’s defense was sturdy, which helped support its offense. The few times that Michigan State made their way down the field the Terps held them off, not allowing even a chance to shoot on goal until the end of the second quarter.

The Terps went 1-1 in their away weekend. Maryland now has the week to prepare for their next game against No. 10 Iowa.