No. 4 Maryland field hockey (2-1) fell to No. 8 Boston College (3-0) on Friday, 2-0, marking its first loss of the season.
The Eagles pulled ahead in the second half, scoring two goals to earn their first-ranked win this season.
The game remained scoreless after the first quarter as neither team was able to establish a sustained offensive attack.
The lone shot on goal of the opening quarter came from freshman midfielder Jordyn Hollamon, but Boston College goalkeeper Charlotte Kramer came up with the save to preserve the deadlock.
Maryland and Boston College both had chances near the end of the first quarter, with corner opportunities, but neither team was able to take advantage.
The second quarter started with a strong attacking push by Maryland, but the Eagles held firm. The Terps failed to convert on another corner after Jordyn Hollamon had her shot blocked twice before Boston College regained possession.
Boston College followed up the Maryland attack with some pressure of its own, but Maryland’s defense held its own. Anchored by Josie Hollamon, the Terps prevented the Eagles from getting a shot on goal for the entire first half.
Both teams spent the tail end of the first half trying to establish an offensive presence. However, both teams struggled to keep possession in the other team’s half for any significant amount of time.
Boston College broke the tie with 8:32 remaining in the third quarter.
Melea Weber powered a shot past Maryland goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko, which was assisted by Caroline Chisholm. Chisholm stole the ball and took it into the Maryland shooting circle before dishing a quick pass to Weber, putting the Eagles on the board.
Maryland got a corner later on, but a shot from Ella Gaitan went wide – the Terps ended the third quarter without finding the back of the net.
Boston College came out of the fourth quarter on the attack, but Klebasko made an impressive save on a high shot from Caroline Powell.
The Eagles doubled their lead with just under 10 minutes remaining after Chisholm converted a penalty shot to make the game 2-0.
Maryland had another chance at a corner, but yet again, it could not convert. Jordyn Holloman’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Carine Van Wiechen – who subbed in for Kramer to start the second half.
Maryland produced a shot attempt with over five minutes left in the game, but Fleur Knopert put it wide of the net.
Maryland’s offensive push continued, as they were awarded yet another corner with 4:14 remaining in the game. But Jordyn Hollamon’s shot sailed wide. After two more failed corners with just over two minutes remaining, the Terps had 10 corners without a goal.
Boston College maintained control for the remainder of the game and Maryland was unable to produce any offensive pressure in the final two minutes.
Maryland will look to bounce back after losing their first of 11 games against teams in the preseason top-20.
The Terps face No. 5 Duke in their second game of the Big Ten/ACC challenge on Sunday.
