Oct. 25, 2005
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
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The top two field hockey teams in the Washington, D.C., area battle it out this Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m., when third-ranked Maryland travels to fifth-ranked American. It will be the first meeting in the 30-year history of the series in which both teams are ranked in the top five in the nation. The game also marks the 400th-career game of 18th-year Maryland head coach Missy Meharg.
The matchup pits the two of the top offenses and defenses in the nation. The Terps' defense has been strong this season and ranks fourth nationally, limiting opponents to less than a goal and less than six shots attempts per game. Offensively, Maryland is among the top 15, scoring at least a goal in every contest this season. American boasts the fourth-best offense in the country, while also fielding the sixth-best defense.
The Terps come into the contest with a 16-2 record, coming off a crucial 2-1 victory at No. 4 North Carolina to clinch at least second place in the ACC standings. The Eagles are one of just two remaining undefeated teams in the nation, as they enter Wednesday's contest at 15-0 after a 3-2 win over Holy Cross.
This game also pits Maryland All-American Paula Infante against her younger sisters, Camila and Denise. A two-time first team All-American and a defensive midfielder, Paula is tied for second on the Terps with 11 goals. AU's Camila, who was a second team All-American as a forward last season, is tied for the team's lead with 10 goals and 11 assists. All three sisters have played together as members of the Chilean National team.
This will be the first time since 1993 the Terrapins will be playing on American's home turf. Maryland has a commanding lead in the all-time series which began in 1974, going 26-1. Last season, the Eagles picked up their first-ever win over the Terrapins during the regular season. But Maryland quickly avenged the loss, eliminating AU from the NCAA Tournament in the second round.
Meharg will become only the 32nd head coach in NCAA history, across all divisions, to coach 400 career games. A 1985 graduate of Delaware, she began her career in College Park in 1988. Since then, she has logged 297 career wins, while leading the Terps to two NCAA titles and five ACC crowns.
-TERPS-
