COLLEGE PARK, MD – No. 10 Maryland (6-2, 2-0 Big Ten) beat its third ranked opponent in as many matches on Friday, downing No. 12 Michigan (5-3, 1-1 Big Ten) 1-0. Ella Gaitan's goal in the third quarter helped the Terps earn their fourth straight win in 2025. 

The first half featured just three shots as the two top-15 teams got a feel for one another. Maryland attempted a quartet of corners, but the defense from both squads was largely stifling for the majority of the first half. 

Maryland broke through on its third shot off the match as Gaitan broke through the Wolverine defense for her fourth goal of the season. Maci Bradford picked up her team-leading fifth assist as the Terps took a 1-0 lead. 

#5 ELLA GAITAN GIVES THE TERPS THE LEAD 1-0🔥 #bestofthebest pic.twitter.com/MA0RXHcO6y

— Maryland Field Hockey (@TerpsFH) September 26, 2025

Maryland held on for victory as Alyssa Klebasko posted the 14th shutout of her collegiate career while making a pair of saves. With the win, the Terps start their conference slate 2-0 for the first time since 2022. 

How it Happened:
1st Quarter:

• Maryland was awarded the match's first corner in the 5th minute, prompting the match's first shot from Jordyn Hollamon and the match's first save from Michigan.
• The corner would be the extent of the first quarter's actions. The two teams were tied with one combined shot through 15 minutes of play. 

2nd Quarter:

• Maryland attempted its second corner in the 18th minute.
• Michigan's Grace Hunter received a green card in the 18th minute, but the Terps weren't able to score on the advantage. 
• The Terps fought off a Michigan chance without allowing a shot in the 20th minute. 
• Michigan's first shot came in the 23rd minute, but it was blocked by the Terps.
• The Terps attempted a pair of corners in the 29th and 30th minutes, but Michigan fought them both off, allowing just one shot. 
• Maryland outshot Michigan 2-1 in the first half and attempted four corners without relenting any, but the score remained tied at the break.

3rd Quarter:

• Michigan took its first corner in the 31st minute. 
• Klebasko made her first save in the 31st minute.
• The Wolverines were awarded a second penalty corner in the 31st minute, but didn't get a shot off. 
• Maryland killed off a green card from the 33rd to 35th minutes without allowing a shot. 
• Gaitan scored her fourth goal of the season in the 40th minute, assisted by Bradford (5).
• Klebasko made her second save in the 44th minute. 
• Maryland took a 1-0 lead into the final frame. 

4th Quarter:

• A good look from Jordyn Hollamon forced a Michigan save in the 48th minute.
• Michigan picked up a green card in the 50th minute. 
• Gaitan nearly found her second goal in the 56th minute, but Michigan made a save. 
• Michgan earned a yellow card in the 58th minute. 
• Maryland was awarded a corner in the final minute of play. 

Meharg's Message:

• "We're growing in every single quarter we get to play."
• "Super proud of our women. That's a great win for us."
• "I think what's amazing about this team is the number of first and second-year players that are playing. They're growing up really quickly."

Bradford's Big Assist

• "Our press and our defense back there is a brick wall. Nobody's getting through them."
• "We all just did our jobs."

Numbers to Know:

• 2: Maryland is 2-0 in Big Ten action for the first time since 2022.
• 3: The Terps picked up their third straight win over a ranked opponent for the first time since 2023. 
• 5: Bradford leads the team with five assists.
• 11: Bradford's assist puts her at a team-high 11 points on the season. 
• 14: Klebasko earned her 14th-career shutout on Friday. 
• 19: Maryland picked up its 19th all-time win over Michigan and extended its lead in the series to 19-5 and 12-3 at home.

Up Next:

• Maryland stays home to face a fellow top-10 program in No. 8 Princeton on Sept. 28. The match will start at 2 PM and air on B1G+.