After falling to Ohio State earlier in the weekend, No. 11 Maryland field hockey looked to bounce back against a struggling Michigan State team.

The Terps had lost two in a row and were in desperate need of any sort of momentum. 

Maryland returned to course on Sunday, leading throughout en route to a 2-0 victory over Michigan State. 

The Spartans headed into the game off a 5-0 loss to No. 15 Rutgers, and throughout the first quarter, it looked like Maryland was going to find a similar result.

The Terps took control of the game early on. Maryland dominated with 12 shots, seven of which were on goal in the first quarter. Jordyn Holloman capped off Maryland’s domination by breaking the ice to give the Terps a first-quarter lead.

That was the only offense Maryland would need on Sunday. The Terps’ dominant defensive performance didn’t allow the Spartans any offensive momentum throughout.

Despite Maryland’s dominating performance, the Terps’ offense couldn’t fully capitalize on its opportunities.

Maryland was 0-of-10 on penalty corners and struggled to beat Michigan State goalkeeper Lyra Gavino. 

The Terps got a late insurance goal from Ella Gaitan, ending any hopes of a Michigan State comeback.

The Terps continued their domination of the Michigan State program. Sunday’s win improved Maryland to a 14-0 record in the all-time series.

Maryland tested Michigan State’s defense immediately. Maryland already had three shots on goal within the first two minutes of the game.

On the other side of the ball, Maryland’s defense suffocated the Michigan State offense. The Spartans struggled to get the ball onto Maryland’s side of the field. 

Maryland’s offense was able to work the ball past the Michigan State defense with ease. But Gavino made six saves in the first 10 minutes to prevent Maryland from getting on the board.

The Terps’ attacking onslaught broke through with 4:43 remaining in the first quarter. Maci Bradford assisted Jordyn Holloman’s goal. 

The Terps continued their momentum in the second quarter by controlling possession around the Michigan State shooting circle. 

When the Spartans’ defense held off the Terps’ attack and worked the ball down the field towards Maryland’s goal, the Terps quickly eliminated any danger. 

Michigan State only had one shot in the first half as Maryland’s defense was all over the Spartans, not allowing any sustained attack.

Michigan State ramped up the pressure in the third quarter. The Spartans kept offensive possession, working the ball towards the Terps’ shooting circle. 

Michigan State earned its first corner of the game with under a minute to go in the third quarter. Spartans midfielder Maddie Lawlar’s shot was saved by Maryland goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko for her first of the game. 

Klebasko became very busy quickly, making two more saves just under three minutes into the fourth quarter. 

The Terps got their insurance with 5:29 remaining in the game as Gaitan deflected Aj Eyre’s shot into the back of the net.

Maryland split its first Big Ten road trip of the season and will go back on the road as the Terps face off against No. 8 Iowa on Friday.