By: Alex Rychwalski

A thrilling come-from-behind 2-1 victory against St. Joseph’s gave the No. 6 Maryland Terrapins their first win of the 2017 in their season opener. It was Maryland’s first season opener at home since 2000.

It was a slow start for the Terps, who didn’t record their first shot of the game until the ninth minute of the first half.

The first half was a scoreless defensive battle, as neither team could convert on their limited opportunities. However, Maryland controlled tempo for much of the first half, as the Terps outshot Saint Joseph’s 7-2.

The second half was a different story as both teams came out firing early. Saint Joseph’s netted the first goal of the match when junior forward Anna Willocks scored on a penalty stroke.

But Terps coach Missy Meharg wasn’t concerned.

“Maryland has a history of excellence, and you find a way to win,” Meharg said after the game. Maryland had a mindset of “it’ll fall,” and eventually, it did.

Maryland equaled the score on a penalty corner when junior forward Bodil Keus scored on assists by Kelee Lepage and Madison Maquire.

“We had to communicate more,” Keus said. “That’s the main difference between the first half and the second half.”

This improved communication in the second half translated to the Terps connecting on more passes and earning more opportunities.

A Maryland goal with under five minutes to go by junior Sabrina Rhodes gave the Terps a decisive 2-1 advantage. The goal from Rhodes is the first of her Maryland career, as she is a transfer from defending national champion Delaware.

“We definitely started connecting more with our passes, and being more calm on the ball,” Rhodes said.

Maryland outshot Saint Joseph’s 18-3 during the game, and the late goal secured the victory for the Terps, who were the better-looking team throughout much of the game.

The victory improves the Terps to 1-0 on the season, and gives them their 22nd consecutive victory in opening games.

Photo courtesy of UMTerps.com