No. 13 Maryland field hockey faced off against Temple in a critical matchup on Sunday, where the Terps emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. The game was marked by a strong performance from junior midfielder Francisca Eschoyez, who scored twice, helping her team maintain its momentum in the early stages of the season.
As the match approached the final quarter, Maryland found itself in a tight spot, leading 2-1 and needing a decisive goal to secure the win. Eschoyez answered the call, scoring her second goal of the game from a penalty corner with just under 13 minutes remaining. This goal not only solidified the Terps' lead but also showcased Eschoyez's skill and importance to the team.
Head coach Missy Meharg praised Eschoyez's performance, stating, "She knows why she’s here, and that’s because she’s an elite-level field hockey player. She has incredible consistency and accuracy with her corners, so she’s a wonderful addition." This sentiment reflects the high expectations placed on Eschoyez as she continues to integrate into the team.
The Terps started the game with aggressive offensive pressure, particularly from freshman Ella Beach, who was active in the opening minutes, firing off three shots. However, Temple's goalkeeper Alex Lepore was impressive, making a diving save to keep the game scoreless early on. Despite Maryland's offensive onslaught, the Owls managed to regroup and began to push back, although they struggled to penetrate the Terps' solid defense.
Maryland finally broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Beach assisted Eschoyez on a penalty corner, allowing her to score the first goal of the match. The Terps extended their lead shortly after, with Aida Ierubino scoring her second goal of the season, redirecting a pass from Babs van Hest, making it 2-0 before halftime.
Throughout the first half, Maryland's defense remained steadfast, with players like Josie Hollamon and Erin Callahan effectively neutralizing Temple's attacks. However, the Owls found a way back into the game in the third quarter when a foul by the Terps resulted in a penalty stroke, which Lucia Magro converted to bring the score to 2-1.
Despite the setback, Maryland's defense held firm for the remainder of the match, ensuring that Temple could not capitalize on their momentum. The Terps' ability to maintain composure and control the ball was crucial, as highlighted by midfielder Ella Fehr's comments on the importance of calm possession during tense moments.
The win against Temple not only boosts Maryland's confidence but also highlights the contributions of new players. Five of the six goals scored by the Terps this season have come from newcomers, indicating a promising start for the team. With the next match on the horizon, Maryland will look to build on this success as they continue their campaign in the competitive landscape of college field hockey.
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