By: Connor Bell

In a highly productive offensive matchup, the #6 Terps field hockey defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 2-1 in overtime in Columbus to seal their fourth straight victory.

In the 26th minute, junior Carrie Hanks broke the scoreless tie off a penalty corner to score her first goal of the season despite Ohio State trying to make substitutions to help defend the corner. This goal was a result of a dominant first half by the Terps as they rattled off 11 shots to Ohio State’s four, forcing Ohio State goalie Liz Tamburro to make five saves in the half.

Despite the Terps dominating the first half, Ohio State’s Irene Fritschy tied things up in a heartbeat at the start of the second with a goal just a minute and twenty one seconds into the half.

These early goals set the tone for a back and forth second half in which both teams were almost equal in shots, and equal in penalty corners. However, even though Maryland managed to still get more shots on goal than the Buckeyes the game would not be decided before time expired.

Overtime appeared to be very well coached and strategized by Ohio state Coach Anne Wilkinson who subbed many of her players in and out, which worked for he first five minutes of overtime as Ohio State got two shots off.

However, in the end, Maryland only needed one goal and one shot to clinch this victory as the Terrapins withstood the Ohio State strategic offensive assault and counterattacked to be awarded with a corner penalty. Then, Terrapin Linnea Gonzales struck it home for the Terps sealing their Big Ten road victory.

This victory puts the Terps at 11-3 on the season and 5-1 in the Big Ten , which they are currently sitting atop of with one win better than Penn State.  And it just so happens Maryland has a chance to stretch their division lead further against the second place Nittany Lions on Sunday at 4 p.m. in State College.