After splitting their first two games, the Terps (1-1, B1G) face off against two more conference opponents beginning with Ohio State (0-1, B1G) on Friday at 3 p.m. and then a rematch with Northwestern on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Maryland is coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to Northwestern (2-0, B1G) last Sunday.

The Terps are searching for their 16th consecutive win against Ohio State and looking to keep their undefeated streak alive against the Buckeyes.

“The first weekend was a good learning experience for us and it’s just another weekend for us to come back and show what we worked on the past few days,” midfielder Emma DeBerdine said. 

Last weekend, the Terps struggled on converting penalty corners into goals. The Terps lead the Big Ten with 18 penalty corners, but have only converted two of them into goals. 

The Terps are still adjusting with players taking on new roles especially on penalty corners. Defender Riley Donnelly, forward Mayv Clune and forward/midfielder Taylor Mason are all rotating through the penalty corner execution drag flicker position. For the past three seasons, Bodil Keus was the primary player for that position converting on many. 

“I’m pleased that we were able to execute on two [penalty corners] this weekend,” head coach Missy Meharg said. “We are a work in progress. We are [also] working hard on field goals, getting good looks and not having to rely on penalty corners.” 

Through two games, Donnelly has been one of the Terps standout performers. Donnelly contributed to all three goals the Terps scored this past weekend. 

“Riley is a very patient player,” Emma DeBerdine said. “She is very good in the center of the field seeing every pass, every defender. She just brings a lot of skill going forward in our attack and getting back on defense…it’s very impressive.”

Against the Buckeyes, the Terps will look to slow down midfielder watch for midfielder Mackenzie Allessie who scored 16 goals last season and was a first team selection to the Big Ten field hockey postseason honor list.  

On Sunday against Northwestern, Maryland faces the talented midfield tandem of Peyton Halsey and Maddie Zimmer. Halsey earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week while Zimmer earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Halsey scored three goals last weekend including the game-winner against the Terps. 

“We are keeping our mindset positive and ready to play again,” Emma DeBerdine said.