Another season, another trip to the Final Four.
That?s just life right now for the Maryland field hockey program, which, with four national titles overall, including last year?s, is one of the best in the country. By defeating No. 6 Penn State last weekend, the No. 2 Terps (21-2) advanced to their fourth consecutive Final Four for a semifinal showdown against No. 7 Connecticut (21-3) Friday night at Wake Forest.
The winner will play in the national final against either Wake Forest (21-1) or Duke (16-6) Sunday at 12 p.m. at Wake Forest.
“It?spretty evident with these nine new players and five [different] starters, they are just loving it and getting better every day,” said Maryland coach Missy Meharg, a five-time national coach of the year. “They have been really, really mature, and the leadership has been excellent.”
Despite coming off a national championship last year, this year?s Terps have a different recipe for success. They have blended the raw talent of top recruits with the core of a talented senior class, one that includes two-time player of the year Paula Infante.
“For Paula, it?s unbelievable to have a squad go to the Final Four four years in a row,” Meharg said. “It?s really a tribute to her and the level that she plays. She has certainly set a standard of play.”
Standout freshmen Nicole Muracco and Bri Davies both have played like seasoned veterans and were named to the NCAA tournament?s all-region first team. Muracco, a forward, has started 20 of 23 games, leads the team in goals (15) and is tied for the team lead in game-winners (5). Her accolades include first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and ACC freshman of the year.
While Davies hasn?t received as much attention as Muracco, she has been every bit as important to the Terps? defense, helping them to the third-lowest goals-against average in the nation (.74).
“I get nervous, but I feel more confidence and I have improved so much and it?s not as nerve-wracking as in the beginning,” Davies said. “I try to use my speed and go up the field. I try to use little passes to make things happen.”
FINAL FOUR
» Where: at Wake Forest
Today
Semifinals
» Wake Forest (21-1) vs. Duke (16-6), 5 p.m.
» Maryland (21-2) vs. UConn (21-3), 7 p.m.
Sunday
National championship, 12 p.m.
