By Andrew Diveley

In a tightly contested matchup Thursday evening, No. 6 Maryland field hockey suffered a 2-1 loss against No. 13 Princeton. 

“Always such a competitive, athletic, spirited match with Princeton,” said Maryland head coach Missy Meharg.

The defeat drops Maryland’s record to 10-6 while Princeton improves to 10-4.

Princeton struck first in the 19th minute as Beth Yeager found the back of the cage. 

Yeager’s shot came after a clever pass by Anna Faulstich who drove through Maryland’s back line to set up Yeager for a quick strike. The goal was Yeager’s tenth of the season and gave the Tigers an early advantage.

Maryland responded with increased pressure highlighted by a near miss from Hope Rose in the 22nd minute. Rose intercepted the ball and earned a one-on-one opportunity with Princeton goalkeeper Robyn Thompson. Thompson made two crucial saves to keep the Terps off the scoreboard.

The Terps found their rhythm in the third quarter converting their first penalty corner of the match. Emma Deberdine passed the ball to Rose who blasted it past Thompson, leveling the game at 1-1 in the 34th minute.

Princeton quickly regained the lead just moments later. 

Following a penalty corner in the 42nd minute, Yeager scored again, this time from a penalty stroke after a chaotic scramble in front of the cage. The goal — her eleventh of the season — put the Tigers back on top, 2-1.

“It’s just tough for Rayne Wright to have had that ball hit her foot for the penalty stroke,” said Meharg.

Maryland fought valiantly in the final quarter, but could not find the equalizer. The Terps managed to outshoot Princeton, but struggled to convert opportunities into goals.

Klebasko — who ranks third in the Big Ten in goals-against average — made several key saves throughout the match, including a diving stop in the 42nd minute that showcased her skill and determination.

Maryland will look to regroup as they return home to face Richmond on Monday entering the final stretch of the regular season.