Maryland wins eighth ACC field hockey title
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The top-seeded Maryland field hockey team battled back from an early two-goal deficit to defeat third-seeded and tournament host Virginia, 3-2, in overtime on Sunday in the ACC tournament finals. The Terrapins claimed their eighth ACC tournament championship and first back-to-back titles since they won four in a row from 1998 to 2001.
Although both teams had numerous opportunities to score in the first half, Virginia was the first to capitalize. Freshman defender Charlotte van den Broek, an all-tournament selection, scored off a tip-in from the left post on a penalty corner. It was her second goal of year. Less than eight minutes later, Tara Puffenberger scored on a similar penalty corner tip-in to put the Cavaliers ahead, 2-0.
Despite five penalty corner opportunities, Maryland was held scoreless ion the first half for just the second time this year. The only other time was against Virginia on Oct. 2. It was also the Terrapins' largest deficit of the season.
Maryland junior Katie O'Donnell, the tournament's most valuable player, scored a goal brought in from the right corner and tipped in from in front of the cage with 20 minutes left to play.
Less than two minutes later, Nicole Muracco scored off a pass from Alexis Pappas from in front of the cage to tie the score at 2. Muracco, who leads the ACC with 27 goals, is just two goals away from setting Maryland's single-season goal record.
In the overtime, Maryland was awarded a penalty corner within the first two minutes. Freshman Megan Frazer, who was selected to the all-tournament team, scored the title-winning goal off an assist by Emma Thomas, also an all-tournament selection, from a penalty corner.
The Terrapins outshot the Cavaliers, 23-11, and held the Cavaliers to just two shots in the second half and none in the overtime period. Maryland also held an advantage in penalty corners, 8-5. Goalkeeper Alicia Grater, an all-tournament selection, finished with five saves.
Maryland, which improved to 20-0 for the first time in school history, earns an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, while Virginia awaits its fate. Both teams learn where they are headed and who they will play on Tuesday.
