By: Henry Quach

COLLEGE PARK, MD — The Terps honored and celebrated senior day with a 4-0 victory to end non-conference play.

The Terps got out to a blistering start as sophomore defender Kennedy Bell scored in the fifth and seventh minute of the game. Freshman defender Taryn Raibon earned an assist for the opening goal while sophomore forward Peyton Benard assisted Bell just two minutes later. 

Maryland’s attack continued the aggressive start after a pure passage of play between freshmen duo Emily Lenhard and Ellie Egeland, just before the 25th minute. The pair both got credited for an assist as they played the ball towards the cleat of Benard, who scored to make it 3-0.  

The Terps defense also put in a dominant performance to help record the shutout. VCU took five shots in the first half, requiring four saves from Liz Beardsley—three of those four coming in a flurry between the 28th and 33rd minutes.

Just three fouls were split between the two teams in a clean first half. But the second half was a slightly different story with 19 fouls and two yellow cards shared by the two sides.    

The Rams attack started creating more chances but ultimately failed to capitalize on several attempts. At the same time, Maryland’s offense–which featured a host of substitutes–was ghosted and couldn’t find a consistent rhythm. 

Despite the attacking struggles after halftime though, Maryland forward Delaney DeMartino added a fourth goal for her side in the 71st minute. Bell was credited with an assist on the Terps’ final goal of the afternoon, to add to a prolific afternoon. 

After absorbing the early second half pressure, Maryland’s defense shut down the Rams attack the rest of the way. Beardsley capped off a dominant senior day with 7 saves.

Maryland ends its non-conference slate with a home victory on senior day, and will look to build upon the momentum going into Big Ten play. The Terps host Michigan State on Thursday at 7 pm.