The Ohio State field hockey team heads back to its bench moments after the Buckeyes’ 1-0 loss to Michigan on Sept. 22, 2017. Credit: Colin Hass-Hill | Former Sports Editor
The Ohio State field hockey team was unable to answer five Maryland goals Sunday, losing 6-3 on Senior Day.
Despite No. 2 Maryland (14-2, 6-1 Big Ten) forcing three saves by sophomore goalie Aaliyah Hernandez in the first five minutes of the game, the No. 21 Buckeyes (6-8, 1-5) were on track at halftime to upset the Terrapins. Two first quarter goals by senior back Whitney Harris and freshman forward Sarah Charley had Ohio State up 2-0 at the midway point at Buckeye Varsity Field.
“Going into half, we felt really, really strong. We had good energy, which was nice to not have to talk about at halftime,” Charley said. “I don’t really know what happened after that.”
Ohio State created the first half lead despite trailing in total shots 5-3 and penalty corners 3-1. By the end of the game, Maryland outshot Ohio State 16-9 and had five penalty corners to Ohio State’s three.
The Terrapins scored five goals in 10 minutes to put the game out of reach in the third quarter. Sophomore forward Bibi Donraadt and freshman midfielder Emma DeBerdine each scored twice for Maryland. Maryland’s five goals in the third quarter were the program’s most ever.
The loss moves the Buckeyes to 0-15 all-time against the Terrapins.
Ohio State managed to respond and regained a two-point lead after Maryland’s first goal. Up 2-1, freshman midfielder Mackenzie Allessie drew a penalty corner after taking a shot to the ankle. Sophomore midfielder Emma Goldean tapped in a goal off a deflection.
“Honestly, I was very, very impressed that we were able to do that because of the fact that sometimes we do struggle, and we do get down on ourselves,” Charley said. “But [Goldean] had a great touch, and it went into the goal, which was an amazing feeling. I wish we could’ve kept that going.”
Maryland senior goalie Noelle Frost has a .804 save percentage, No. 5 in the NCAA. She totaled four saves in Sunday’s game. Offensively, Maryland averages 3.29 goals per game, No. 8 in the NCAA; Ohio State is tied for fourth at 3.5 goals per game.
Charley said there are areas in which the Buckeyes can improve through their last three games of the regular season.
“I think a lot of times we rushed into the circle when we had a lot more time than we thought, which comes with communication from everyone on our team and making sure that we have spatial awareness and figuring out where everyone is,” Charley said. “We can definitely do a better job capitalizing, but it was good to at least get three.”
After the game, Ohio State’s graduating seniors were recognized, as it was the final home game of the regular season.
Ohio State travels to play Penn State Friday and Kent State Sunday. Ohio State head coach Jarred Martin said it’s important that Ohio State plays well against its two remaining Big Ten opponents, Penn State and Michigan State.
“Those two Big Ten games, obviously, are going to be important, just to make sure we play our best, play with some momentum, get into the Big Ten tournament,” Martin said. “We’re going to have to make sure we qualify for that and give us a chance to play in the postseason.”
