No. 2-seed Maryland field hockey found itself against No. 1-seed Northwestern for the second time this season, this time competing for the Big Ten Championship.

Against the only team that gave the Terps trouble this season, they faced more trouble on Sunday. 

The two-seed Terps ultimately fell again to Northwestern, 3-0 this time..

Maryland suffered against the Wildcats with two green cards and a yellow card awarded to Francisca Eschoyez late in the fourth.

The loss to Northwestern culminated in Maryland’s first game without scoring a goal this season. 

After a very defensive start for both teams, Maryland fell behind almost three minutes into the second quarter.

Big Ten Player of the Year, Ashley Sessa, continued her goal-scoring dominance, netting two goals for the Wildcats before the half.

“I don’t think we really hit our game yet. We need to play simple hockey and play a little more relaxed,” head coach Missy Meharg said at halftime. 

Northwestern packed on the pressure against Maryland, scoring again to go up 3-0 early in the fourth quarter.

Sophomore Jessica Freedman scored the final blow for the Wildcats after multiple shot attempts during one of Northwestern’s many attacking corners. 

Even with multiple scoring opportunities, the Terps could not find the back of the net. 

Maryland led with 13 shots to Northwestern’s 12, while Northwestern led with 10 shots on goal.

Big Ten Goalie of the Year Alyssa Klebasko tied her season high with seven saves, even after allowing three goals.

But that wasn’t enough for Maryland.

Throughout the season, corners have helped the Terps, but Northwestern goalie Juliana Boon shut down those opportunities.

Maryland is averaging 6.63 corners per game with 126 total corners this season, scoring 19 of its 66 goals this season on attacking corners. 

Northwestern’s domination affected Maryland throughout, as there were a total of three green cards awarded in the matchup.

Maryland has received multiple green cards in four of its 16 regular-season games, most recently against Delaware.

Francisca Eschoyez’s late yellow card is her first of the season after collecting two green cards in the regular season. 

Northwestern received its only card of the game in the fourth quarter, but the Terps couldn’t convert while up a player.

While Maryland had their strongest season in years, it fell short in the Big Ten Tournament once again.

After losing to Ohio State in the first round last season, the Terps looked to bounce back with the addition of young players.

Ultimately, the power of Northwestern was too strong for Maryland to continue their dominant season. 

The tournament loss comes as selection Sunday looms near for the NCAA Tournament.

The Terps are unlikely to be named the top seed in the tournament, but they still look like a highly rated competitor.