Nov. 10, 2005
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
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Top-ranked and top-seeded Maryland was awarded a home site for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament and will host American, Penn State and Richmond on Nov. 12 and 13. The ACC Champion Terps take on the 19th-ranked Spiders in first-round action at 11 a.m., followed by the eighth-ranked Nittany Lions and No. 6 Eagles at 2 p.m. The winners of both games move on to the second round on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Earning their 18th NCAA Tournament bid and 19th national tournament berth overall (including 1979 AIAW appearance), the Terps host the first and second rounds for the third-consecutive year and the 12th time in 14 years. Maryland has won three national titles (1987, 1993, 1999), two under 18th year head coach Missy Meharg, and is looking for its fourth.
Maryland is fresh off their exciting ACC Championship victory, capturing its sixth crown overall and the first since 2001. After the victory, the Terps earned a No. 1 national ranking in the final NFHCA Coaches Poll of the season. Freshman Susie Rowe scored three crucial goals, including both game winners, to lead the team, while earning ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player honors.
The Terps face the 19th-ranked Spiders for the first time since 2000 and for the first time in the NCAA Tournament. With a win, Maryland could face familiar foe American. The two teams battled it out in the Terps' regular-season finale, handing the Eagles' its first and only loss of the season. Big Ten regular season champion Penn State last played Maryland in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2003, when the Terps eliminated the Nittany Lions, 5-0.
The winners of both games move on to the national semifinals in Louisville, Ky., on Friday, Nov. 18. The championship game will be held on Sunday, Nov. 20.
Tickets are still available through the Comcast Center Ticket Booth or online at www.umterps.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex beginning one hour prior to the start of games on Saturday and Sunday.
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