Preview: No. 3 Maryland field hockey takes on No. 23 Ohio State in Big Ten matchup

No. 3 Maryland field hockey gets set for its first conference matchup of the season, as the Terps hit the road to face No. 23 Ohio State Friday.

The Terps have remained undefeated through six games so far this season, including three wins over ranked opponents. 

Maryland’s last game came against New Hampshire, a tie game at half before Maryland pulled away in the second half for a 6-1 victory. 

New Hampshire goalkeeper Jemma Woods notched 10 saves at halftime on 13 Maryland shots, holding the high scoring Terps to only a goal in the first half.

Maryland blew the doors open in the third quarter, with goals from midfielders Bibi Donraadt and Belle Bressler. The score was Bressler’s first goal of the season.

“We’re playing really, really great hockey,” Bressler said. “I think we came out slow in the first half but our second half is just like Maryland field hockey and it was a really great win from us.”

Donraadt has three goals on the season to go along with two assists. 

Maryland continued to extend its lead in the fourth quarter, with goals from midfielders Dani van Rootselaar and Emma DeBerdine. DeBerdine is tied for third on the team lead for goals (three) this season. 

Forward Hope Rose added her second goal of the game in the closing minutes to extend the Terps lead to five. Rose leads the team in goals (six) and assists (five).

Midfielder/forward Leah Crouse has also put in heavy work this season for the Terps. Crouse is second behind Rose in both goals (four) and assists (three) this season. 

After senior goalkeeper Christina Calandra started the first five games of the season for the Terps, Maryland elected a new starting goalkeeper for its game against New Hampshire. Freshman Paige Kieft made the start, recording three saves and allowing only one goal in all 60 minutes played.

The Terps have allowed only 27 shots by their opponents this season, compared to their 123. Of their 123 shots, 82 have been on goal for a 66.7% shots-on-goal percentage. 

“We’ve got great goal scorers and when they play for each other, we’re really good,” said head coach Missy Meharg. 

Ohio State started its season 3-0 before falling to newly ranked No. 24 Miami (OH) its last time out. 

With only four seconds left in the first half, midfielder/striker Claudia Negrete-Garcia scored the only goal of the game, putting Miami ahead 1-0. 

The Buckeyes outshot the Redhawks 15-3, yet none fell for Ohio State as Miami goalkeeper Isabelle Perez came up with 5 saves.

Buckeyes goalie Abby Danson has allowed only one goal all season, the Negrete-Garcia goal against Miami. Danson has 13 saves on the season for a 92.9% save percentage. 

Ohio State has outshot its opponents 74-26, and has been particularly effective in scoring in the third quarter, with 5 of its 11 goals coming in that period.

Ohio State will be the fourth ranked team the Terps face this season. 

“Most of their danger and what makes them threatening is being Ohio State,” Meharg said. “Maryland just needs to come and play the brand that we play… pass the ball, frame the goal cage, and we’ll have a really successful day.”

Historically, Maryland is undefeated against Ohio State with 15 wins. The last matchup between the two schools was a 6-0 Terps victory on October 29, 2021. 

The game on Friday will start at 3 p.m. and will take place in Columbus.