By Gillian Vesely
The No. 2-ranked University of Maryland field hockey team topped the Eagles of American University on a chilly Wednesday evening at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex in College Park, Md.
The Terps found the back of the goal often, en route to an 8-1 victory, their 10th straight win.
Hosting their annual “Pink Game” that featured a silent auction to raise awareness for cancer research, the Terps distributed the ball amongst multiple players and positions.
Maryland started its scoring tally with an early goal from captain and junior defender Sarah Sprink less than five minutes into the first half on an assist from a fellow captain, senior forward Katie Gerzabek. Gerzabek, injured in an Oct.19 game against Rutgers, sported a brace on her left knee.
The Terps struck again less than 10 minutes into the half with a goal from junior forward/midfielder Alyssa Parker. Senior captain and midfielder/forward Maxine Fluharty tallied the assist.
As the Eagles struggled to gain an offensive possession, the Terps capitalized with three more goals in the half, one from junior midfielder Anna Dessoye and two from freshman forward/midfielder Moira Putsch.
Parker said the Terps managed to, “refocus and start the game fresh,” despite a 5-0 lead at the break.
Sprink posed problems for the Eagles on both ends of the field during the final half, scoring her second goal less than two minutes into the period and maintaining a solid, composed style of play on defense.
“Today what really took her game forward was how quick her hands were in traffic,” head coach Missy Meharg said of Sprink.
Parker stayed involved in the offensive attack as well, tapping a pass from Putsch past American netminder Katie McBeath less than eight minutes into the half.
Parker also tallied another point with give-and-go assist to redshirt sophomore forward Emma Rissinger with about 18 minutes remaining in the game.
The Eagles did find the net on offense when American’s senior defender, Grace Wilson, struck a penalty corner shot past Maryland goalkeeper Jill Genovese, who replaced starting senior goalie Brooke Cabrera after the first half.
On the day, Maryland outshot American 28 to three.
Meharg praised her team in her postgame comments, calling the contest Maryland’s “best game of team attack.”
The Terps (15-2) will return to the field Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. to close out their regular season schedule against Iowa (11-5) in College Park, Md.
