Aug. 19, 2011

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The 2010 NCAA and ACC champion Maryland field hockey team will play its annual Red/White scrimmage Sunday at noon at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. All fans are welcome to attend.

The Terrapins are coming off of the program's seventh national title, and sixth under 24-year head coach Missy Meharg. In 2010, they went 23-1 and also won their third straight ACC crown.

Maryland returns 17 of 23 players, including seven of 11 starters, from last year's championship team. The Terps also welcome newcomers Nikki Fernandez, Maxine Fluharty, Katie Gerzabek, Steffi Schneid and Kasey Tapman.

Senior Jemma Buckley and junior Megan Frazer will serve as captains this year. Both were named NFHCA All-Americans in 2010 and to the All-ACC team.

The Terrapins scrimmage Penn State in State College Friday morning. After a two-goal second half rally, the Nittany Lions scored the final goal in the 68th minute to take the 3-2 preseason win.

"Maryland was a much improved team in the second half. We played with more discipline and emotional desire," Meharg said. "Penn State is an exceedingly dangerous team that will be successful in postseason competition."

After Penn State led 1-0 at the break, it added another goal eight minutes into the second half. Sophomore Ali McEvoy put the Terrapins on the board in the 50th minute. Buckley took a shot off of a penalty corner inserted by Gerzabek and McEvoy scored on the rebound.

Just under 11 minutes later, junior Kirstie Dennig scored off of an assist by Fernandez to tie the game at two.

The Terrapins held the advantage in penalty corners, 10-5. They also outshot the Nittany Lions 19-16, with 16 of their shots coming in the second period.

Redshirt senior goalkeeper Melissa Vassalotti recorded five saves and sophomore Natalie Hunter added one.