By: Andrew Diveley

No. 6 Maryland field hockey celebrated senior day in style with a dominant 3-0 victory over Richmond at home. 

The Terps improved to 11-5 with the win, while Richmond fell to 10-7 overall. 

“I think on Friday, we didn’t play Maryland field hockey, and so today was just going to be a reset, and we were going to play our hearts out for our seniors,” said Maryland’s sophomore defender Josie Hollamon.

The Terps struck early, capitalizing on their first-quarter offensive pressure. 

Fleur Knopert opened the scoring in the 12th minute redirecting a shot from Ella Gaitan that caught Richmond’s defense off guard and sailed into the right side of the cage — Knopert’s fifth goal of the season.

Maryland continued to control the tempo of the game, firing 12 shots in the first half alone. Richmond goalkeeper, Kristen Rake, faced relentless shot attempts, recording five saves in the second quarter including back-to-back stops against Hope Rose and a crucial defensive save by Grace Wiggins. 

Despite Rake’s best efforts, Maryland found the back of the cage again in the 27th minute when Gaitan launched a high shot that soared over Rake’s stick. Gaitan’s goal gave the Terps a 2-0 advantage.

Maryland’s defense proved equally formidable. 

After Richmond’s Valen Luna Paratore registered the team’s first and only shot of the game in the opening minute, the Spiders failed to record another attempt. The Terps held the Spiders scoreless and stifled all offensive efforts.

The Terps added to their lead late in the fourth quarter. 

Rose scored her ninth goal of the season in the 57th minute, finding the rebound after her initial shot and slipping the ball into the right side of the cage past a diving Rake.

Overall, Rake’s 10 saves prevented a more lopsided score, yet Maryland’s shot differential — 20 to 1 — highlighted their offensive dominance.

“I really like the depth of characteristics in the midfield, and I also like how our depth on the forward line is coming along,” said Maryland head coach Missy Meharg.

Maryland now turns its focus to the final stretch of the regular season looking to build on the momentum from their strong senior day performance. 

Maryland will be back in action against No. 17 Penn State on Friday.