Sept. 6, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland field hockey team scored a pair of second-half goals to defeat the University of Durham, 2-1, in an exhibition match on Tuesday night at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. The Terps used the game to prepare for the absence of All-American Lauren Powley when she leaves for the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, next week.

"Durham is a very good team. [Durham head coach] Gavin Featherstone is a very good coach," said Maryland head coach Missy Meharg. "This was great preparation for us."

Despite eight shots in the first half, Maryland had trouble scoring, with many shots going wide. The University of Durham from England, who is coached by Gavin Featherstone who served as head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team in 1984, on the other hand, had only three shots in the period but scored in the 30th minute.

In the second half, the Terps settled down and tied the game with less than 18 minutes left remaining. Maryland was awarded a penalty corner. The ball was passed around the circle a few times before it popped out to senior Emily Beach's (Bethesda, Md.) feet, who was standing wide open and took the shot for the goal.

With under seven minutes to play, junior All-American Paula Infante (Santiago, Chile) wound up on a long pass from sophomore Janneke van Leeuwen (Hilversum, Netherlands) and scored, putting Maryland ahead, 2-1.

The Terps outshot Durham, 13-4, and outcornered them, 7-0.

The Terps were playing without senior All-American Lauren Powley who leaves next week to play with the U.S. Junior National Team at the Junior World Cup which takes place Sept. 14-25 in Santiago, Chile.

Maryland will be at full strength this weekend, however, for the annual Terrapin Invitational, Sept. 10-11. The Terps host American, California and Stanford. On Saturday, Maryland plays California at 11 a.m. to open the weekend, followed by American and Stanford at 1 p.m. On Sunday, American and California square off at 1 p.m., with the Terps battling Stanford at 3 p.m.

Fans will be subject to a parking fee of $10 on Saturday because of the Maryland football game which is set to kickoff at noon. Field hockey fans are advised to arrive early for the Terrapin Invitational on Saturday.

-TERPS-