The Maryland field hockey seniors entered College Park as part of the ACC and National title team of 2005. As this year's postseason got underway, they had one goal for November - come in with trophies, leave with trophies.
On Sunday, No. 1-ranked Maryland accomplished that goal, winning its third national title in four years by defeating ACC rival and second-ranked Wake Forest, 4-2. Senior Susie Rowe scored the game-winner early in the second half when she finished one final perfect penalty corner, her 28th goal of the season to tie a Maryland record.
It was a historic season for Rowe, who capped it with a goal and an assist in the final. A senior from London, England, Rowe had already become the first player in Maryland history to record at least 70 points - she finished with 74 on the season - before her record-tying goal on Sunday.
Rowe, sophomore Katie O'Donnell and juniors Brianna Davies and Alicia Grater were named to the All-Tournament Team. Grater, who needed to make just one save against Wake Forest thanks to the stellar play of Davies and the rest of the defense, had six stops against Iowa including three in the second overtime. Davies, who not only contributed to the staunch defense but also found her way as a playmaker with the ball on her stick, weaved her way into the circle and assisted on the game's final tally.
