As a part of the 23rd annual Terrapin Invitational, the Terps regained their footing after a nail biter against Virginia as they faced off against James Madison. In this match Maryland came out on top, by a much more comfortable 4-0 scoreline.
Coming off a two-game win streak the Terps started the game easily maintaining possession. Riley Donnelly scored off a penalty shot less than three minutes into the match. Even though the Terps held possession for the first five minutes, their four consecutive shots did not translate into points.
The Dukes eventually responded with two penalty shots of their own — but neither reached the back of the cage. JMU goalkeeper Caitlin Nelson saved six of Maryland’s seven shots on goal but her defense did not bring the same effort, giving Maryland numerous chances in the first quarter.
Maryland, however, received pressure from the Dukes in the next quarter, with James Madison making more difficult for the Terps to create opportunities. But Maryland was still able to maintain possession, and scored another goal off a penalty corner shot from Madison Maguire.
“[Maguire] is a leader … other teams respect her so much … she’s a dominant force in the NCAA,” Coach Missy Meharg said.
Throughout the second quarter both teams were not able to complete passes and form a solid attack. Although both sides were sloppy, the Terps got shots off penalty corners. Much like its thriller against Virginia, Maryland was not very successful with penalty shots. Despite inconsistent play from both sides, the Terps defense was able to stand their ground all throughout the first half and prevent the Dukes from tallying a single shot on goal.
At the start of the second half, the Dukes continue to apply pressure on the opposing side of the field, showing a sense of urgency. Their effort was eventually rewarded with their first shot on goal, but the Terps survived.
After multiple penalty corner attempts, Bodil Keus was finally able to convert, putting the Terps up 3-0. They added another in short order. A penalty shot by Donnelly with about three minutes left in the quarter made the score 4-0.
“Taking strokes more than anything is a mental game, so I was trying to tell myself that I’m just at practice taking strokes,” Donnelly said.
James Madison pushed up for the fourth quarter, but Maryland proved to be too much. Despite having a strong lead, the Terps continued to push forward and strung together multiple solid possessions that resulted in shots on goal and penalty corner opportunities. The fourth quarter was otherwise quiet for both teams as the Terps looked to milk the rest of the clock.
In another routine win, the Terps demonstrated their talent on both sides of the ball, while also exercising patience to respond to constant pressure by the Dukes.
