COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The U.S. Field Hockey Women's National Team will host a five-game series against Olympic-bound Japan Oct. 7-13 at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex on the campus of the University of Maryland. It is the second time in as many years the Terps will host an international competition on campus.

"These international matches bring such hockey exposure to the Baltimore/D.C. area," said Maryland head coach Missy Meharg, who is in her 20th season with the Terps. "The opportunity to combine international matches with NCAA games is critical as we strive to close the gap between the two.

The matches are scheduled for Oct. 7, 8, 10, 12 and 13. The October 4 game is scheduled for 4 p.m., with the other dates slated for 7 p.m. The Oct. 7 and 12 matches will be played as part of a doubleheader with the Terps, as Maryland takes on Boston University on Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. and Old Dominion on Oct. 12 at 5 p.m.

The series marks a return of international field hockey to the Maryland campus after last year's Four Nation Tournament, which featured top international teams in Argentina, the Netherlands and Australia. The Americans made history at the Terps' home field, defeating the No. 2-ranked Argentina, 2-1, the first victory over the Argentines since 1990.

The games will also mark a homecoming for USA team members Dina Rizzo, Lauren Powley, Sara Silvetti and Keli Smith, who were All-Americans as Terps. Current Terrapin freshman Katie O'Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.) has been a veteran of the national team since she was 16.

In one of international field hockey's newest and most competitive rivalries, the two teams have met 16 times since 2000, including a 1-0 Japan win n the 5th/6th place game at the 2006 World Cup and an epic USA victory in penalty strokes in the 9th/10th place game at the 2002 World Cup.

Japan has already qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games, while the series will serve as a prelude to the USA's build up for their Olympic Qualifying Tournament in April 2008. The USA will be assigned to one of three Olympic Qualifiers and will need to win the six-team tournament to earn a spot in the Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Maryland was also chosen site for the 2007 NCAA Field Hockey Championships on Nov. 16 and 18. The national semifinals are scheduled for 5 and 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 16, with the 2007 national champion being crowned on Sunday, Nov. 18 at noon. It is the first time the event has been hosted in the state of Maryland. Tickets for the NCAA Championship can be purchased through the Terrapin Ticket Office, by calling 1-800-IM-A-TERP or by visiting www.umterps.com.

For more information on the USA series against Japan, visit www.usfieldhockey.com.

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