After No. 11 Maryland field hockey was unable to close out an early lead against No. 1 Northwestern earlier in the year, the Terps had another chance to defeat on a top-five team in the country.

Maryland traveled to Charlottesville to take on No. 4 Virginia with a statement win in mind.

But unlike against Northwestern, the Terps’ offense failed to find momentum on Tuesday, despite some bursts.

For the first three quarters, it seemed like Maryland’s defense could keep them in the game as it has all year. But against Virginia, the Terps’ defense couldn’t hold up, falling 2-0. 

It was only the second time Maryland was shut out this season. 

A fourth-quarter burst for Virginia would be all it needed, propelling a fourth straight win.

Despite Maryland’s offense garnering momentum, Virginia broke the scoreless tie. 

Suze Leemans fired the ball towards the goal, and Riley Savage was able to redirect it into the net, giving Virginia the lead with just under 10 minutes remaining. 

Just minutes after, Caroline Nemec doubled Virginia’s lead and from there, there was nothing Maryland could do. 

It was another anemic game for Maryland’s offense. The story of Maryland’s season continued throughout this game.

After only getting two shots in the first half, Maryland earned some chances late in the third and early in the fourth. The Terps struggled to turn their few chances into scoring output, as they have all season.

Nilou Landers had an excellent performance for Virginia. The Cavaliers’ goalkeeper made six saves en route to a fourth straight shutout —  her sixth in Virginia’s last seven games.

Virginia came out strong, controlling the ball early and worked into Maryland’s shooting circle multiple times. 

Just over three minutes in, the Cavaliers earned their first corner of the game. But the Terps’ defense blocked the shot before it could reach Alyssa Klebasko’s net. Later on, Virginia got another corner opportunity, but Klebasko made the save and kept the game scoreless.

Maryland would get a first-quarter shot of its own, but Virginia’s star goalkeeper Nilou Lempers stopped Feliz Kuhne. Kuhne had another chance later in the half, but shot it wide of the net. 

Maryland’s offense didn’t create anything else in the first half. Virginia outshot Maryland 5-2 in the first half as Klebasko made three saves. The Cavaliers earned three penalty corners while the Terps had none. 

However, Maryland’s defense didn’t allow Virginia to take advantage of their constant pressure.

In the third quarter, the Maryland defense again came through for the Terps. After Virginia was able to push the ball all the way down the field, Klebasko was able to make two phenomenal saves, including a diving stop across the goal.

The defensive burst sparked Maryland as the Terps’ offense found some rhythm. Late in the third quarter, Maryland’s offense created some chances.

After working the ball down the field, Maia Adamson and Kuhne had shots, but neither connected.

The Terps had another chance on their first penalty corner of the game with just under two minutes to go in the third quarter, but Lempers made the save on a shot from Kuhne.

Virginia’s two goals were all its offense would need — the Cavaliers held Maryland scoreless.

Maryland will try to bounce back as the Terps face off against Northeastern on Friday, in its regular-season finale.