Box Score SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The fifth-ranked Maryland field hockey team (19-4) fell to No. 16 Princeton, 3-1, Saturday in the NCAA Tournament First Round at Syracuse's J.S. Coyne Stadium.
The Tigers led 2-0 in the first half. Maryland took control in the second period, but couldn't overcome the deficit.
“Very emotional, very disappointing outcome,” head coach Missy Meharg said. “This is a great hockey team this year and unfortunately, we started the match somewhat desperate. We gave some confidence to Princeton and found ourselves trying to catch up. Our senior class are all remarkable women and have done a ton of winning. We applaud each one of them.”
The Tigers (10-6) opened the scoring when Cat Caro tipped in a goal off a penalty corner with 13:40 left in the first half. Princeton extended its lead to 2-0 when Sophia Tornetta swung in a loose rebound off a penalty corner with 4:52 to play in the half.
Princeton added its third goal with 11:52 left in the game. Tornetta took it along the baseline and flipped it into the cage.
Maryland pulled freshman goalkeeper Sarah Holliday from the cage with just under 10 minutes to play in favor of an extra attacking player. Freshman Julie Duncan put the Terps on the board when she slid one under Princeton keeper Anya Gersoff with 3:01 to play.
Maryland outshot Princeton, 13-6, including 7-2 in the second half. Holliday made four saves.
The Terrapins won 17 straight games from Sept. 13 through the Big Ten Tournament last weekend. Maryland went 8-0 in Big Ten play in the regular season and won the Big Ten Tournament title with a 5-1 win over No. 10 Michigan last Sunday.
This marked Maryland's 27th NCAA Tourmament appearance and 21st straight, which is the longest active streak in the nation. Maryland is 56-20 (.734) in the NCAA Tournament, the most wins of any school in Tournament history. Head coach Missy Meharg is 52-19 (.732) in NCAA Tournament games, the highest winning percentage of any coach.
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