Field Hockey Hosts U.S. National Team Before 1,287
8/25/2002 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 25, 2002
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Before an enthusiastic crowd of 1,287 on a crystal-clear Sunday afternoon, the Maryland Terrapin field hockey squad played host to the U.S. National Team as a part of the USFHA Collegiate Challenge. Former Maryland four-time All-American Carla Tagliente (Cortland, N.Y./Maryland '01) netted a goal in each half to lead the national team to a 10-0 victory as the squad continues to tune up for the FIH World Cup, slated for November in Perth, Australia.
The match was only part of Sunday's spectacle though, as the Terrapins welcomed back Tagliente, Katie Kauffman-Beach (West Lawn, Pa./Maryland '97), Keli Smith (Selinsgrove, Pa./Maryland '01) and Dina Rizzo (Walpole, Mass./Maryland '02), who was recently named to the national squad but did not play while recovering from injury. The game was a tremendous showcase for the World Cup-bound U.S. team, who were at an arms reach for many of their fans and joined the Terps in signing autographs for hundreds after the game.
"What a wonderful event to have open the 2002 hockey season at Maryland," said Terp head coach Missy Meharg after the game. "It was a great learning experience for our young players, many of which who have never played a college hockey game, never mind against the national team. It was excellent for Maryland to be part of this inaugural event where the national team plays college teams from different regions of the country, and I hope it becomes a tradition and we do this every year."
On the field, the play of sophomore goalie Kerry Hearsey (Leicester, England) was certainly a bright spot for the Terrapins, who allowed Team USA eight goals but made 16 spectacular saves.
The rest of the story was the skill of the national team, who used superior passing and incredible balance to maintain their attack for much of the game. Team USA's Kristen McCann scored a pair of goals in addition to Tagliente, while longtime national team great Tracey Fuchs led all players with two goals and an assist.
"I think our team can learn much from the national team's focus and ability to maintain pressure and balance on the offensive end," said Meharg. "I think they used great tactics and are at a high fitness level as they look toward the World Cup."
Team USA goes on to face Wake Forest on Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. as its Collegiate Challenge tour continues. All proceeds from Sunday's game went to benefit the program as it prepares for the World Cup.
The Terrapins travel to Chicago to face Northwestern and New Hampshire to officially open their schedule on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Maryland's home opener is against Drexel on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. Admission to all Terrapin home games is free.
Team USA 4 6 -- 10 Maryland 0 0 -- 0
GOALS: Team USA - Kristen McCann (Tracey Fuchs), 25:18 (1st); Carla Tagliente (un), 23:02 (1st); Kim Miller (Melanie Meerschwam), 10:05 (1st); Kelli Gannon (un), 00:35 (1st); Fuchs (un), 29:49 (2nd); Tagliente (un), 23:25 (2nd); Kate Barber (Meerschwam), 20:26 (2nd); Tara Jelley (Barber), 18:53 (2nd); McCann (Gannon), 1:54 (2nd); Fuchs (Katie Kauffman-Beach, Carrie Lingo (DC)), 0:11 (2nd). Maryland - none. SHOTS: Team USA 34, Maryland 3. PENALTY CORNERS: Team USA 11, Maryland 1. SAVES: Team USA - Peggy Storrar (0 saves, 0 goals allowed, 35:00 minutes); Jill Dedman (1 save, 0 goals allowed, 35:00). Maryland - Kerry Hearsey (16 saves, 8 goals allowed, 65:13 minutes); Tori Cano (1 save, 2 goals against, 4:47). ATTENDANCE: 1,287.
