COLLEGE PARK, Md. - In the midst of its final preparations, third-ranked Maryland field hockey sets its sites on the start of the NCAA Tournament, beginning with 10th-ranked Old Dominion in the first round on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. The Terps were awarded the second seed in the postseason event and also host Penn State and Virginia. The winners of both games advance to the second round on Sunday, Nov. 11. Game time is set for 2 p.m.

Due to the Maryland football game on Saturday evening, there will be a $10 charge for parking on campus. A limited number of spots have been reserved for fans attending the field hockey tournament in Lot 4i adjacent to the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex.

Tickets for the first and second round games are $5 for adults and $3 for students, children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the Comcast Center Ticket Office or by visiting www.umterps.com, or on the day of the game at the venue.

Maryland (17-2) is hoping for the same success as it's had the last two years, winning the NCAA title in back-to-back seasons. After falling to second-ranked Wake Forest in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament, the Terps are looking to bounce back and return to their winning ways when they face ODU on Saturday. It will be the third meeting between the teams, as Maryland swept the regular-season home-and-home series, winning 4-1 in both.

"The focus all season has been to stay in the present and take things one day at a time," said Maryland head coach Missy Meharg. "That can not be more important than it is right now. This team fully understands the meaning of staying in the moment.

"We're prepared, eager and more mature from our experience last week at ACC's," continued Meharg. "This is truly a regional tournament. Each of these teams has every intent on being champions and we're looking forward to getting back on the field and playing meaningful games."

The Terrapins have advanced to the NCAA Tournament the last 13 years, including this season. Last year's fourth-straight trip to the national semifinals was a first in the history of the program. Maryland is making its 21st national championship appearance overall (AIAW appearance in 1979) and its 20th showing in the NCAA championship.

The Lady Monarchs have a long and storied history in the NCAA Tournament, winning a record nine national championships. Their last title came in 2000. Making its 27th tournament appearance, ODU is 12-9 heading into the weekend.

Penn State has also been a regular in the tournament as it looks forward to its 24th showing in the event. The Nittany Lions have played their last five NCAA Tournament games in College Park, falling to the Terrapins, 1-0, in the second round last year at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. PSU is 13-7 after losing 3-2 to Michigan in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament.

ACC-foe Virginia is making its second-straight NCAA Tournament appearance and 17th overall. The Terps defeated the Cavaliers earlier in the season, 4-1, in College Park. UVA pulled the slight upset over Boston College in the first round of the ACC Tournament, winning in overtime, 3-2, but lost to the eventual champion North Carolina, 3-0.

The winners of all second round games move on to the national semifinals, which are being hosted by the University of Maryland at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. It will be the first time in the history of the tournament the final two rounds are being held in the Free State. The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 16, with the national champion being crowned on Sunday, Nov. 18. For advanced ticket sales, visit www.umterps.com or call 1-800-IM-A-TERP. Tickets for the final two rounds can also be purchased this weekend.

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