By: Andrew Diveley 

No. 8 Ohio State made history in its 2-1 victory over No. 3 Maryland in College Park, Friday afternoon. The Buckeyes’ 12th victory of the season was their first win against the Terrapins in 21 matchups since 1979.

Ohio State’s defensive unit — led by goalkeeper Abby Danson — put on a remarkable display, holding off a relentless Maryland attack. The Terps outshot the Buckeyes 15-6, with 12 shots on goal compared to Ohio State’s four. However, Danson’s 11 saves — several of them diving stops — were the difference in the game.

Maryland came out strong in the first quarter dominating the field with seven shots and six penalty corners. Despite the Terps’ high offensive pressure, Danson made back-to-back saves on shots by Hope Rose in the sixth minute and kept the Buckeyes level with multiple blocks throughout the opening period. 

Maryland’s defense — anchored by goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko — stood tall, saving Ohio State’s only shot of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Ohio State earned a penalty corner, but Klebasko responded with a sliding save to keep the game scoreless. 

Maryland’s offense continued to fire on all cylinders, but Danson turned away shot after shot.

The third quarter featured midfield interceptions and missed opportunities for both teams, as neither could convert chances into goals. 

Ohio State’s defense remained resolute, blocking another shot from Rose keeping the game deadlocked heading into the final quarter.

Ohio State finally broke through in the 52nd minute when Katie Fichtner scored off a penalty corner, assisted by Claudia Thomas and Erin Little. Fichtner’s shot from the top of the circle sailed just over Klebasko’s left hand, giving the Buckeyes a 1-0 lead.

Maryland responded less than a minute later. 

Rose’s initial shot was saved by Danson, but Annemijn Klijnhout capitalized on the rebound, sending the ball into the left side of the cage to tie the game, 1-1.

With less than a minute remaining, Ohio State earned another penalty corner. 

After a blocked shot by Cameryn Forgash, Maryland’s Rayne Wright attempted to make a goal line clear but it turned into a direct pass to Ohio State’s Makenna Webster. Webster tapped in the game-winning goal, her 13th of the season.

Despite Maryland’s dominant shot total and a 10-5 advantage in penalty corners, Ohio State’s defense — led by Danson’s heroics — secured the Buckeyes’ first-ever win over the Terps.

“We dominated on the attack for 60 minutes, to be very honest, and we did,” said Maryland head coach Missy Meharg.

The Terps will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host No. 7 Michigan, seeking to return to form after the upsetting loss.

“If the outcome is going to be more important than the process, we’re going to be in trouble,” said Meharg.