COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Second-ranked Maryland field hockey is preparing to take on local-rival and No. 9 American University on Wednesday, Sept. 19. The Terps travel to Washington, D.C., for only the second time since 1993. Game time is slated for 4 p.m. and will be broadcast by Maryland's WMUCsports.com. Links to listen to the game will be available at www.umterps.com.

The teams are meeting for the sixth-consecutive year and the 32nd time in the history of the series, which dates back to 1974. The Terps lead the all-time series, 29-1, with the Eagles' only win coming during the regular season in 2004 in College Park. Since then, Maryland has won four-straight meetings, including a 5-1 rout last season.

Maryland is currently riding an 11-game win streak, dating back to the first round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament. Starting the season at 7-0, the Terps are one of four remaining undefeated teams in the country. AU is also unbeaten, entering tomorrow afternoon's game with an 8-0 record. AU will be the fourth ranked opponent the Terps will face this season. Maryland recently defeated 10th-ranked Boston College, 2-0, over the weekend.

The Terps are led by freshman Katie O'Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.), who has tallied at least a point in every game. Her 26 points are the best in the league, and her eight goals and 10 assists are second-best in the ACC. Sophomore Nicole Muracco (Sewell, N.J.), who was an All-American as a freshman, are tied with eight goals, a team high.

Posting five shutouts this season, AU leads the nation in goals against average (0.49). Alyssa Poorman has started every game and has allowed just four goals this season. She boasts an 0.50 GAA. Maryland's Kathryn Masson (Richmond, British Columbia) is fourth in the nation in the category with an 0.67 GAA, helping the Terps record four shutouts.

American's Denise Infante, the younger sister of two-time national player of the year and former Terrapin Paula Infante, leads the Eagles with seven goals and 14 points. Paula Infante is also currently an undergraduate student-assistant coach for the Terps. AU is currently outscoring its opponents, 27-4, through eight games, while Maryland has scored three more goals in seven games, limiting its opponents to four goals, as well.

The American University is located at Ward Circle, the intersection of Massachusetts and Nebraska Avenues, in the upper northwest section of Washington, D.C. A large crowd is expected, so fans are encouraged to arrive early. For more information and directions to the field, visit www.aueagles.com. Admission to the game is free.

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