The #2 ranked Maryland Terrapin Field Hockey paid respect to the seniors tonight and sent the Wildcats home with a 5-1 loss in front of a rain soaked 225 fans at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex in College Park MD.

Prior to face-off the Terrapins honored senior Captain #7 Janneke van Leeuwen, Forward #4 Kim Ziegler, Goalie #00 Kathryn 'Kat' Masson.

Senior and Team Captain #7 Janneke van Leeuwen demonstrated her leadership this evening as she lifted her team with 2 goals.  Her first goal came off a penalty corner in the first half that was sent in to Ellen Ott.  Ott moved the ball around and eventually passed it to van Leeuwen on the baseline.  Janneke's beat the Wildcat keeper and the Terps were on the board 1-0.

The Wildcats responded a quick 3 minutes later on an unassisted goal by Lauren Wuzzardo.

 

Janneke's strength as a senior Terp showed itself again a brief 2 minutes later when she broke the 1-1 tie off a corner.  Janneke is the Terrapin inbounder on corners, and she sent the ball into freshman O'Donnell.  O'Donnell stopped and sent the ball to another Terrapin who lost control of the ball.  Janneke picked up the loose ball and flicked it in putting the Terps up 2-1.

The score stayed fixed a 2-1 through the end of the first half, and the Terrapins headed into the dry sanctuary of the locker rooms confident in their lead.

The second half belonged to junior #15 Ellen Ott, junior #22 Susie Rowe, and freshman #16 Katie O'Donnell.  The 3 players combined for a total of 3 goals during the second half.

Ellen notched the first point for the Terrapins in the 2nd half when a pass from Rowe and some fancy stick handling resulted in the tally. Rowe then preserved her own part of senior night history by scoring a goal of her own in the 13th minute of the 2nd half.  Her slap shot from the top of the circle was unassisted.

O'Donnell continued her prominent presence on the field in the second half, and her offensive attacks resulted in points for the Terps.  On several occasions she forced Wildcat turnovers and took the ball up through midfield.  Her efforts paid off with 11 minutes to play in regulation when she found Ott, resulting in a 5-1 lead.

Maryland Goalie Kathryn 'Kat' Masson played a stand-up game this evening and showed her senior spirit by making 4 saves before being retired in the 58th minute.  She was awarded a standing ovation and was welcomed by the Maryland bench for an outstanding performance for the past 4 years.

Kim Ziegler was also honored for her role as a Maryland Hockey player and she received the nod from head coach Meharg for a start this evening.

The Lady Terps closed an outstanding regular season this evening, having successfully defended the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex at every outing.  The Terps are undefeated at home, and their only loss their year was at the hands of the #1 nationally ranked UNC Tar Heels.

Coach Meharg and the Maryland Terrapins now set their focus on the post-season and the upcoming ACC championships that will take place on the campus of Boston College.  The Terps also look forward to the upcoming NCAA playoffs, which will feature a semifinal and final game at College Park at their home field.