The University of Maryland field hockey team has come through a challenging early-season stretch with a winning record. Now, the Terps will begin the process of defending their Big Ten regular-season title and moving toward a 24th consecutive berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Four of Maryland's first five opponents are ranked in the American Field Hockey Coaches Association's Sept. 12 national poll. The Terps started the campaign with a 2-1 victory against No. 23 St. Joseph's, but suffered consecutive losses to No. 4 Duke (2-0) and 10th-ranked Boston College (2-1) at the Big Ten/ACC Cup in Lancaster, Pa.
Maryland bounced back strongly at the Terrapin Invitational, routing Towson, 8-0, and edging No. 11 Louisville, 1-0, to win the tournament title. Head coach Missy Meharg's squad, which is ranked ninth, will carry a 3-2 record into its Big Ten opener at Indiana (4-2) Sept. 15.
