It was crunch time for Maryland.
After being mildly defensive against Duke all game long, the eight-time national champions came out after the break with an offensive mindset. Not only did the Terrapins register three shots in just six minutes, but they were also awarded their first penalty corner of the game to force a save by Blue Devil goalie Frederique Wollaert.
They really wanted it, but Duke sensed an opportunity to pounce.
Duke immediately went on the counter-attack, getting a penalty corner of its own. A beautiful ball from senior Josephine Palde found Kira Curland’s stick in midair, who struck it down past the empty Maryland cage to break the deadlock.
As the Blue Devils celebrated the lone goal of the game, the Terrapins’ hopes shattered.
The last time Duke played field hockey at North Carolina’s Karen Shelton Stadium was last season’s heartbreaking Final Four loss to Northwestern. This time, however, the Blue Devils took on No. 8 Maryland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and triumphed 1-0, advancing to the national quarterfinals.
The victory came about after an intense afternoon in Chapel Hill as No. 9 Duke (13-6, 6-2 in the ACC) outshot the Terrapins 7-5, as well as edging out in penalty corners. No. 5 Maryland (13-7, 6-3 in the Big Ten) simply could not handle the barrage of shots, failing to respond and finally conceding one in the third quarter.
“We knew it was going to be an exciting game, a fun game and a real tough game,” Duke head coach Pam Bustin said. “I just couldn't be more proud of how the team came out to play the level of hockey that they played.”
In desperation for a last bid to tie the game, the Terrapins subbed off their goalkeeper for an outfield player to apply more pressure on the Blue Devils. However, Maryland’s attempt to overpower Duke with sheer numbers was but in vain, as the ever-reliable Wollaert denied it time and time again. Even with a late green card on junior Alaina McVeigh, which meant the Blue Devils were essentially down two players, Duke’s defense held fast to record an incredible program-high — and best in the nation — 12th shutout of the season.
“They’re relentless pressure in transition,” Maryland head coach Missy Meharg said of Duke. “I applaud their coaches and their players for the outcome and advancing.”
Duke showcased solid defense in the first half as well, as the Terrapins could not register a single shot in the thirty minutes played. However, the Blue Devils struggled to convert their own chances, unable to find the back of the goal despite having four shots and two penalty corners. As a result, both teams went into the locker room at halftime empty-handed.
“I think we just stayed to our game plan, into the integrity of our structure, and it gave us opportunities that we had to put the ball in the net,” Bustin said.
Having defeated Maryland for the second time this year, Duke will be staying in Chapel Hill to face another familiar opponent in the NCAA quarterfinals Sunday 12 p.m. The Blue Devils will take on the host and No. 1 team in the country, North Carolina, hoping they can avenge their loss to the Tar Heels earlier this month.
“There are a few challenges … but again, I think it's always an exciting game, and it's just a great opportunity to play the best level of Division I field hockey right now,” Bustin said.
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