For the second game in a row, No. 5 Maryland field hockey lost a top-five matchup, 1-0, with today’s loss coming at the hands of No. 3 Virginia.
Both teams played nearly identical games in the first half, as a desire to go out and press the opponent was counterbalanced with a desire for defensive security. Throughout the first half, both teams attacked conservatively, with four penalty corners being the dominant offensive chances of the half.
The first two corners belonged to Maryland, who got opportunities with just over five minutes left in the first quarter. Kylee Niswonger hammered in two back-to-back balls to Hope Rose, who put the two shots off the challenging Virginia defender’s ankle and back, respectively.