Preview: No. 9 Maryland field hockey’s weekend vs. No. 5 Iowa and Indiana

No. 9 Maryland field hockey (12-3, 4-1 Big Ten) returns home for perhaps its biggest test yet as it faces No. 5 Iowa (12-2, 3-2 Big Ten) and Indiana (5-10, 0-5 Big Ten) this weekend.

The Terps are coming off a road stretch which saw them secure a pair of massive victories in a 1-0 win over No. 15 Michigan and a 2-1 victory against No. 10 Ohio State.

Sammy Popper’s goal in the first quarter was the only score against the Wolverines as Alyssa Klebasko had a career day in goal, garnering a career high eight saves. Popper once again struck against the Buckeyes, and a fourth quarter goal from Maci Bradford sealed that result as Maryland extended its win streak to five games.

“I think anytime you’re fortunate to win games,” coach Missy Meharg said. “We’re bringing it to the highest level at the right time.”

Both Popper and Bradford have been the main drivers of the Terps’ offense as of late. Popper has scored in three straight games and is tied for third on the team in goals (6) and is fourth in points (13). Bradford is now second on the team in goals (7) and third in points (18).

Maryland has been lethal early as of late, having scored during the first quarter in six straight games. That powers an offense averaging nearly 2.7 goals per game, the fourth best mark in the Big Ten.

The Terps are going to need to pile up the goals against the Hawkeyes in order to keep up with an elite offense of their own. They currently average 3.5 goals per game, the best mark in the conference. 

Iowa’s star player is freshman midfielder Dionne van Aalsum, who leads the team and the entire conference in goals (25) and points (54).

The Hawkeyes were able to put these numbers on display as they picked up a massive 2-1 road victory against No. 8 Louisville last time out, with van Aalsum scoring both goals.

“The linking of the backfield to the midfield to the front line,” Meharg said on what she wants to see against Iowa. “Just really making sure we sprint together as a unit so we have counter defense control.”

A huge part of Maryland’s defensive control will be the play of Klebasko, the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Klebasko made 14 saves last weekend, giving up only one goal to Michigan and Ohio State.

“All I know is that she had a stellar performance,” Meharg said. “She’s had some routine saves and some spectacular saves and that’s what you need.”

While the game against the Hawkeyes will likely be a challenge for Klebasko, the contest versus the Hoosiers may be a rare less challenging Big Ten opponent. They are only putting up around 1.1 goals per game, which is second worst in the conference.

Indiana’s last game resulted in a penalty shootout loss to Ball State. Forward Sarah Charley gave the Hoosiers a lead in the second quarter before eventually falling. Charley is their star player, leading the team in goals (5) and points (14).

The Iowa game is set to take place at 5 p.m. on Friday. The Indiana contest is set for a 12 p.m. start on Sunday.