By Gill Vesely

After an unprecedented three-game losing streak, their Maryland Terrapins field hockey team got back to their winning ways Sunday with a 6-1 victory over the American University Eagles in College Park, Md.

The Terps looked to penalty corners once again for a significant part of their offense, and scored all but one of their goals by taking advantage of American penalties. Senior Sarah Sprink led the way for Maryland, playing both midfield and defense at different points throughout the game and scoring a hat trick.

Sprink talked after the win about shifting positions and how it affects the team.

“It’s maybe not comfortable for me at times but that’s what the team needs,” she said. “Whatever the team needs, I’m going to address that and adjust to it.”

Head Coach Missy Meharg expressed her satisfaction with the team’s ability to put it all together when it came to penalty corners. She was especially impressed with the Terps’ ending play, a goal from Lein Holsboer assisted by Linnea Gonzales off a corner as time expired.

“It feels good. It feels right to get on the board when you take so many shots,” Meharg said. “Our penalty corner execution was fantastic. Five out of six goals, and to score with no time on the clock on a penalty corner just be sheer grit and rebounding, that’s what we’ve been after.”

Freshman Julie Duncan also scored for the Terps, notching her first goal of the season. “This whole season I was excited to finally get my first goal,” she said. “As soon as the opportunity came I just knew I had to get it in.” In addition to Sprink, Holsboer, and Duncan, Gonzales also pushed one by American goalkeeper Kate McBeath to round out a balanced offensive performance.

The Terps will look to get another victory when they they face Northwestern Friday at 3:30 p.m. in College Park.