EVANSTON, Ill. –  The second-ranked Maryland field hockey team fell just short in a tight match with No. 3 Duke, 1-0, Sunday in the final game in the Big Ten/ACC Cup at Northwestern Sunday.
 
The Blue Devils (4-0) scored just 2:17 into the match and that was the game's only goal. Maryland (3-1) outshot Duke 7-2 in the second half, but couldn't find the equalizer. Senior goalkeeper Noelle Frost made five saves.
 
"We really applaud Duke," head coach Missy Meharg said. "They have a front field that is wicked fast. They came out with dominant energy. It took us a while to get into a groove. Once we did, played a great brand of hockey and we grew tremendously. Duke is the fastest team I've seen. I was also really impressed with Noelle Frost in goal. The outcome is not what we want, but the way we grew is great for us, especially early in the season."
 
Duke's Margaux Paolino scored that lone goal off a penalty corner 2:17 into the match.
 
Maryland held Duke without a shot in the fourth quarter. Duke goalkeeper Sammi Steele made four saves, all in the second half.
 
Next, Maryland will play at Towson (0-2) Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Tigers' TU Field Hockey Complex in Towson, Md. Live stats will be available here.
 
The Terps will return home to the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex next weekend to host No. 11 Virginia, James Madison, American and Towson in the Terrapin Invitational Friday and Sunday. The Terrapins will play the Cavaliers Friday at 5 p.m. and the Dukes Sunday at noon.
 
For the latest information, follow the Terrapins on Twitter at @terpsfh and on Instagram at @terpsfh. 
 
DEFLECTIONS… The Terrapins own the all-time series over Duke, 34-13-3…head coach Missy Meharg is 568-139-9 (.800) in her 32 years as head coach.