USA, Ireland Set for Quarterfinals in Valencia
6/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
VALENCIA, Spain – Former Terrapins Katie O'Donnell, Jill Witmer and Megan Frazer and their respective national teams are set for their quarterfinal matches in the Hockey World League Semifinals in Valencia, Spain.
Frazer and Ireland beat the U.S., 2-0, Tuesday to finish atop the Pool B standings with nine points. Frazer scored in the 29th minute for Ireland's first goal. She assisted to teammate Anna O'Flanagan in the 60th minute.
“Congrats to Fraz for helping her team to a huge victory yesterday,” Maryland associate head coach and 2008 Olympian Dina Rizzo said. “She was unbelievable and we are so proud of her. She is a fighter and we've seen her do that so many times. It's been a great tournament for them.”
The U.S. finished third in the pool with seven points behind Germany's eight.
Ireland will take on China Thursday at 5:30 a.m. ET Thursday in the first of four quarterfinal matches on the day. Team USA will play Argentina at 8 a.m. ET in the second match.
“Even though they didn't finish atop the pool, the U.S. has a great opportunity to play Argentina tomorrow, who the U.S. has seen more than any country probably. They know each other so well and it's going to be a great match. I'm sure the U.S. will be ready.”
Semifinals will begin June 19 and the finals will be June 21. For the full schedule, click here.
All teams are playing for Olympic qualification, with the top three teams in the tournament earning their bids to Rio.
Following the Hockey World League Semifinals, the U.S. Women's National Team will head to Toronto in July for the Pan American Games. The games will be played at the University of Toronto, on two world-class field hockey pitches.
-Terps-
