Preview: No. 3 Maryland field hockey continues conference play against Michigan State

No. 3 Maryland Field Hockey (8-1) prepares for a conference matchup Sunday against Michigan State (4-3). 

Maryland enters off an overtime victory Friday night against No. 8 Michigan.

With 6:28 left in overtime, the Terps received the first penalty corner attempt of the period. The send-in went to midfielder Dani van Rootselaar, whose shot was blocked by the defense. Midfielder/forward Leah Crouse picked up the rebound and fired the shot past Michigan goalkeeper Anna Spieker, giving the Terps the win. 

“I think just one finally went our way,” Crouse said. “I mean, we’ve been working really hard practicing different variations, different setups.”

The game-winner was Crouse’s sixth goal on the season, second on the team and eighth in the Big Ten. Crouse also has three assists for the Terps, tied for second on the team. 

Maryland’s offense has been the strong suit of the squad, averaging the most goals in the Big Ten with 3.778 goals per game. The Terps are averaging over two more goals per game than their opponents.

Sophomore forward Hope Rose leads the team in scoring through nine games thus far. The 2021 Big Ten Freshman of the Year has eight goals and six assists, both team leads. Rose’s 22 points are the third most in the Big Ten.

Maryland’s defense has done its part as well so far, holding opponents to 1.33 goals per game. 

“Defense was amazing,” head coach Missy Meharg said. “Maryland didn’t give up a penalty corner … our defense is just incredible and we have depth in our defense and we’re able to rest people.”

After senior Christina Calandra started the season in goal for the Terps, freshman Paige Kieft has taken over the past four games. 

Kieft has allowed 1.67 goals per game, registering 12 saves in the process for a 60% save percentage. 

Michigan State enters on a sour note, falling to No. 6 Penn State Friday. The Spartans were outscored 4-0 in the game, failing to record a shot in two periods. 

Michigan State’s offense is averaging 2.71 goals per game this season, generating 15.4 shots per game. 

Midfielders Ellie Rutherford and Emma O’Neill and forward Hannah Jarvie lead the team in goals with three each. Defender Georgia Davies and midfielder Ashley Harlock lead the squad in assists with five each. 

Defense has been lacking thus far for the Spartans, allowing 1.71 goals per game, the second most in the Big Ten. 

Fifth-year senior Monique Jardell has started in goal in all seven games for the Spartans, coming up with 32 saves on 100 shots faced.

Helen Knull is in her 12th season in charge of the program, entering with a 83-127 record.

All time, the Terps are undefeated against Michigan State with 10 wins. Their last match was a 4-0 victory on October 22, 2021.

The game on Sunday will start at 1 p.m. and will take place at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex in College Park.