When Maryland first joined the Big Ten in 2014, it steamrolled through the conference, winning at least seven conference games in five different seasons.
Things are a bit different eight years later.
Maryland’s move to the Big Ten has helped elevate the conference’s standing in the sport so now the Big Ten is the best field hockey conference in the country.
“Top players are going to these schools,” head coach Missy Meharg said during last season’s fall media day. “The facilities are very nice, the coaching staffs are incredible. It feels like it used to feel when I was in the ACC at its best time.”
Maryland has struggled the last two seasons in conference play, going 5-3 in 2020 and 4-4 in 2021. In both years, the Terps bowed out in the first round of the Big Ten tournament.
No. 3 Maryland field hockey (6-0) opens Big Ten play against No. 23 Ohio State (3-1) on Friday afternoon. Maryland comes in the number two offense in the nation, averaging 4.33 goals a game.
“Maryland just needs to come and play the brand we play,” Meharg said. “Pass the ball, put pressure on the play, frame the goal cage, and we’re going to have a real successful day.”
The Terps will face many strong teams in conference play, as seven of the nine Big Ten teams were ranked in the top 25 in this week’s National Field Hockey Coaches Association Poll, including five teams in the top 10.
The Terps have a big match-up against the defending National Champs in Northwestern in a few weeks. The Wildcats were the first Big Ten team to win the National Championship since 2001 when Michigan won it.
The Terps face a Buckeyes team that has only allowed one goal this season while their goalie Abby Danson has made 13 saves.
Offensively the Buckeyes have spread the ball around well, with seven players scoring goals and no player scoring more than twice.
“Very exciting to go into Big Ten play, especially going to those bigger football schools,” midfielder Bibi Donraadt said. “Definitely, the Big Ten is the best conference in the country in the NCAA right now, so it’s going to be different than some of the games we’ve played so far.”
