In the final game of this year’s Terrapin Invitational, No. 5 Maryland field hockey finally had the offensive showing that the statistics suggested was in store. It hammered Lock Haven, 8-1.
While Maryland dropped its last two games against then-No. 5 Duke and No. 3 Virginia, the Terps have held the statistical advantage in every game this season. Maryland had more shots, more corners and a plethora of opportunities to score in each game. Yet, converting remained an issue.
Both Maryland and Lock Haven scored six goals through five games entering Sunday, but it did not take long for those numbers to change. But to the surprise of the crowd at The Plex, it was Lock Haven who opened the scoring.
Quick work offensively earned the Bald Eagles two penalty corners just a minute into the game. On the second corner, goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko made a save that bounced right to Lock Haven midfielder Elien Bos, who fit the ball into the net.
“We were not expecting it at all, and when it did happen, we reset, we rechecked and I think we came back strong,” defender Ericka Morris-Adams said.
Maryland had to respond, and it took less than a minute for it to do so. For the first time — but certainly not the last — the Terps carved through the flanks of Lock Haven’s defense. In a matter of seconds, the ball found its way to Fleur Knopert, who sent in a quick ball to Kylee Niswonger. Niswonger didn’t hesitate, slapping home her first goal of the season.
Niswonger’s goal was the game’s second in just over two minutes. The prior 140 minutes of Maryland games had seen just two combined goals.
That open nature continued throughout the first quarter, with chances for both teams almost materializing. But just three minutes after its first goal, Maryland scored a second.
Carly Hynd made a run down the right side of Lock Haven’s defense and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Kelsey Felix’s shoulder to give the Terps a lead for the first time in three games.
Maryland began to slow the game down in the second quarter, spending more time possessing the ball. The final 25 minutes of the first half were scoreless, but not due to a lack of trying from the Terps. Felix, who made 11 saves on the day, kept Maryland’s offense frustrated.
With the Terps not having scored more than two goals in a game this year — and Felix dominating for Lock Haven — worries that it would be more of the same for Maryland’s offense crept in. In the second half, those fears were be put to bed.
The Terps came to life in the third quarter, as goals from Knopert, Niswonger, Alina Gerke and Ellie Goldstein in the opening 10 minutes turned the game on its head and forced a goalkeeper substitution for Lock Haven.
Beyond the conversions, Maryland was noticeably more confident with the ball, refusing to give Lock Haven time to possess or run with the ball.
“The intentional part at halftime was to say, ‘Take care of the ball,’” head coach Missy Meharg said. “You’re really not showing [Lock Haven] a lot of respect that they probably earned, because [we’re] not taking care of the ball and we’re playing slow.”
For the first time since their game against Boston College, the Terps settled into a comfortable rhythm offensively. They continued to stretch Lock Haven’s defense, with cutting runs from the midfielders, punishing the Bald Eagles time and again.
The Terps kept their foot on the gas in the fourth quarter, where junior Leah Horwitz’ first career goal made it 7-1 and Niswonger wrapped up her hat trick with five seconds left in the game.
“I’m just really excited,” Niswonger said. “It was all because of my teammates, … they were feeding me the ball, so I couldn’t ask for a better day.”
After what could have been a frustrating week, a dominant win was much-needed for the Terps, who have renewed optimism as they enter Big Ten play on Friday.
“[There’s] a feeling too that we know it’s coming, and there’s just going to be a breaking point, and I think we’re getting there, and we’re very close,” said Morris-Adams.
Hopefully for the Terps, that breaking point on the horizon will come soon.
Three things to know
1. Maryland maintains all-time advantage. While Maryland and Lock Haven do not play each other often, Sunday’s win prolonged a winning streak for the Terps. Maryland is 5-2 all-time against the Bald Eagles, who have not beat the Terps since 1978.
2. Lock Haven unlocked. Maryland found answers against the Lock Haven defense, turning its 21 shots on goal into eight scores, the most its scored in a single game since October 2022. The Terps more than doubled their season goal tally Sunday as well.
3. Sharing the load. The Terps have produced 11 different goal scorers in their 14 total goals this season, with the first eight goals of the season all coming from different players. With the potential extended absence of Maci Bradford, it is imperative the Terps continue to utilize their offensive depth.
