WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Senior Kelee Lepage broke a scoreless tie to lift the second-ranked Maryland field hockey team past American, 1-0, Tuesday afternoon at the Eagles' William I Jacobs Recreational Complex in Washington, D.C.
 
Maryland (16-2) and American (10-5) were locked in a defensive battle for over 55 minutes. With just about 5:00 to play, junior Hannah Bond sent the ball up the right side of the field to freshman Emma DeBerdine, who sent it in to Lepage who was inside the circle. Lepage turned and cracked a shot into the bottom of the cage to put the Terrapins on the board.
 
"What a great match," head coach Missy Meharg said. "Couldn't be better, the outcome, but certainly a match that I expected. [American head coach] Steve Jennings and his players always play such a tactical game. I am not surprised by the quality of this game."
 
The Terrapins outshot American, 8-4, including six shots in the final quarter as they turned up the pressure.
 
Goalkeeper Noelle Frost made a save and junior co-captain Bodil Keus made a defensive save in the final minute to preserve the lead. The Terrapins had the only penalty corner of the game.
 
Madison Maguire and freshman Emma DeBerdine of the second-ranked Maryland field hockey team both earned weekly Big Ten honors Monday.
 
Maguire was named Co-Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. DeBerdine was named Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive week.
 
The Terrapins finished 7-1 in Big Ten play. They clinched the No. 1 seed and first round bye in the Big Ten Tournament Nov. 7-10 at Penn State. Maryland has won 26 conference titles, including the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 titles since joining the Big Ten.
 
For the full Big Ten Tournament bracket, game times and more, click here.
 
Maryland will host an Alumnae Game Sunday at noon at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex.
 
For the latest information, follow the Terrapins on Twitter at @terpsfh and on Instagram at @terpsfh. 
 
DEFLECTIONS… Maryland owns the all-time series over American, 43-1, and has won 17 straight matchups, dating back to 2004… The Terrapins ended the Eagles' seven-game win streak… Maryland picked up its seventh shutout of the season Meharg is 581-140-9 (.802) in her 32 years as head coach.