Appreciating The Moment

When the Maryland field hockey program takes the field at the Field Hockey and Women’s Lacrosse Complex later today for the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, its three fifth-year seniors will do so with a heightened sense of appreciation for the moment. 

Maura Verleg, Margot Lawn, and Nathalie Fiechter all decided to use their fifth and final year of eligibility—and now the three remain as some of fourth-seeded Maryland’s top veterans. After the 2022 season came to a close, their love for the program and teammates brought them back for one last ride.

“I had so much fun, especially last year, and I just felt that I wasn’t done with the American experience yet,” Fiechter, who is from the Netherlands, said. “I’m just very grateful for all of it. I already thought last year was my last year, but now knowing for sure that this is it, I definitely have a greater appreciation.”

“There’s a reason why all three of us came back,” Lawn added. “We’re pretty close.”

The three girls all had different backgrounds to get to Maryland. Fiechter was the only one who was there from day one, as Lawn transferred in from Louisville and Verleg from New Hampshire. But even with the one-year difference for the two of them, they assimilated to the field hockey family pretty much as soon as they stepped on campus.

“We had such a big class already and then those girls came in and became such a big part of our team right away,” Fiechter said. “It’s kind of crazy to have the three of us still here.”

The experience has been one that all three treasure greatly.

“I feel like I was just starting here at Maryland and now it's like I blinked and we’re heading into my final NCAA postseason,” Lawn said. “It’s been great; there’s been a lot of laughs along the way. And it’s not done. I want to end my career my way, I want to end it on a high note.”

“It’s been a cool experience, especially for Maura and I as international students who come in not necessarily knowing what to expect of this experience,” Fiechter said. “It’s cool to see where we all are now.”

The three have all grown into standout players through their years as Terps and are now at the top of their game as fifth-years. Verleg, who is also a captain, and Fiechter help anchor a back line that has been nothing short of terrific all season. Lawn has excelled on the offensive end, collecting 26 points on the season to this point. The trio have started a combined 61 of 63 games and each girl has played in every one. 

“With our differing positions, we’re a great connection between the two lines,” Lawn said. “I think that was extremely important, especially this year with us having a younger team.”

“We can always rely on each other because we’ve been here for so long, and I think our other teammates feel that too,” Verleg added.

Now, the girls know that any game can be their last, as they head into win or go home postseason play—something that has given them increased appreciation and urgency to leave it all on the field one last time.

And to make it even sweeter, the Terps stellar play in the Big Ten Tournament earned them a right as the final host in the NCAA first round—a feat that they weren’t sure would come. 

“We thought that we had maybe played our last game at home, so we definitely have a greater sense of appreciation for this ability to host,” Fiechter said. “We’re just so excited we’re hosting. We’ve hosted my past two years, and those moments are some of my best hockey memories ever. The atmosphere is just amazing and it makes you feel so good to see all the people who come out for you.”

“Our home field advantage is huge because we have so many people come to our games,” Verleg added. “It definitely helps us to play our hockey. We couldn’t be more excited to be playing at home for one more weekend.”

Historically, Maryland is built for November hockey. The program has totaled eight National Championships and 27 conference titles, with all conference titles and seven of the National Championships coming under head coach Missy Meharg.

This year’s team looks to be no different. The Terps put together a stellar 16-5 season capped off by a great run through the Big Ten Tournament where they just barely came up short, falling to No. 1 Northwestern in two overtimes in the title game. That run has given the Terps even more confidence heading into the NCAA Tournament.

“I’m so confident in our team right now and we showed last week that we can play with anyone,” Verleg said. “We’re very excited to show that in this NCAA Tournament.”