Aug. 18, 2012

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland field hockey team fell to the U.S. Under-21 Team, 4-3, Saturday in an exhibition match in College Park. The Terps held a 2-1 lead at the break, but couldn't hold on for the win.

Current Terrapins Maxine Fluharty, Katie Gerzabek, Ali McEvoy and Jill Witmer are all on the U.S. Under-21 team. Fluharty and Gerzabek played with Team USA.

The Terps seized the opportunity to play with new schemes and lineups and test out different game plans.

"Today was very good for us," head coach Missy Meharg said. "We're working on a new system of play. We did pretty well with it at times, but it needs to become more consistent."

Gerzabek gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute off of a rebounded shot that was saved by the Terps' goalkeeper, Natalie Hunter. Maryland's Hayley Turner tied it up five minutes later with a reverse shot on her own.

Senior Danielle Kauffman knocked in a high shot behind USA's goalkeeper Lauren Blazing off a pass from Jill Witmer to give Maryland a 2-1 lead with eight minutes left in the first half.

The U.S. went on to score three unanswered goals, before junior Ali McEvoy gave the Terps their third score with a penalty stroke in the 67th minute.

Earlier this week, 2011 National Champion Maryland was picked to win the ACC this year. Seniors Megan Frazer and Harriet Tibble were both named to the Preseason All-ACC Team for the second straight year.

Next, the Terps will head west to open the season at California on Friday, Aug. 24 at 8 p.m. ET. On Sunday, Aug. 26, the Terrapins will take on Stanford at 4 p.m. ET in Stanford, Calif. Both of the Terrapins' west coast games will be shown live on the Pac 12 Network. More information on where to watch will be available closer to the games.

In its home opener, Maryland will take on Old Dominion at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31 in a rematch of 2011 Final Four matchup. The Terrapins blanked the Monarchs 4-0 last November en route to their eighth national title.