Overview
The Collegiate Challenge is a season-opening series featuring the U.S. Women's National Field Hockey Team against the 2001 NCAA semifinalist teams. The series starts at Michigan (Aug. 23, 6:30) before continuing on to NCAA finalist Maryland (Aug. 25, 1:00). The Challenge continues at Wake Forest (Sept. 5, 7:00) and concludes at Princeton (Sept. 7, 1:00).

In addition to providing a homecoming for former Terps currently on the U.S. roster, Katie Kauffman-Beach (West Lawn, Pa./Maryland '97), Carla Tagliente (Cortland, N.Y./Maryland '01), Keli Smith (Selinsgrove, Pa./Maryland '01) and Dina Rizzo (Walpole, Mass./Maryland '02), the games will help prepare the U.S. team for this fall's FIH World Cup, Nov. 24-Dec. 8 in Perth, Australia.

Tickets are available at the gate only, beginning two hours before game time on the date of the game. Adults: $10, Students (w/ID) $5.

Don't miss your chance to see the top teams in college take on the World Cup-bound USA team. There will be halftime giveaways and autograph signings after the game.

Click here for directions to the University of Maryland. Parking will be available at the Regents Drive Garage.

Former Terrapins Return To College Park
Katie Kauffman-Beach (Maryland '97) - Two-time All-America selection at Maryland, now in her eighth year as a member of the U.S. National Team. Competed in the 1996 Olympic Games and earned U.S. Field Hockey Female Athlete of the Year honors in 2000.

Dina Rizzo (Maryland '02) - Named to the All-America and NCAA All-Tournament team in 2001. Recently named to the U.S. National Team following Open Trials, Aug. 12-14.

Keli Smith (Maryland '01) - A three-time All-America selection at Maryland. Named to the U.S. National Team in 2002.

Carla Tagliente (Maryland '01) - A four-time All-America selection at Maryland. Named U.S. Field Hockey Female Athlete of the Year in 1997.

Quoting Terrapin Head Coach Missy Meharg
A former U.S. National Team Player and assistant coach, Maryland's National Coach of the Year Missy Meharg will lead her 2001 Terps into the scrimmage vs. the U.S. National Team.

On the game: "The match is a great challenge for the Terp Hockey Program. We are "reloading" our squad this 2002 season and this is a fantastic opportunity for a new team. I am looking for our National Team and coaching staff, to teach Maryland Hockey in the areas of preparing and competing for 70 minutes. Our Terps need to witness individual and team leadership throughout the match. We want to LEARN by example."

On the former Terps: "Katie, Carla, Keli and Dina play hockey from the heart. They each have unique strengths - physically and character wise - that enable them to compete at any level and for any coach...I am so very proud to have coached them."

Next Wave of U.S. National Team Athletes on Display
The Maryland roster includes current U.S. Junior National Team members Tiffany Marsh (U-19), Lauren Powley (U-19), Emily Boyer (U-19) and Colleen Barbieri (U-19).