UVA Can't Go the Distance, Terps Win 3-1

Missed the game? listen to a replay here

by Brian Kapur


The true character and moxie of a team is not revealed in blowouts or dominating performances; but rather in the face of adversity.

If that's the case, the Terrapin field hockey team proved their grit by outlasting No. 3 Virginia 3-1.

" Its a huge win. It was a game full of energy, excitement and passion from both teams," Nicole Muracco said. "It was a hard fought battle."

The Terps fell into an early hole when UVA's Paige Selenski took a fast break to goal to give the Cavaliers a quick 1-0 lead.

After the quick score the game settled into a defensive struggle. The ACC's leading goal keeper Kim Kastuk had five of her 10 saves in the half. UVA's goal keeper stifled and shut out the Terps for a half.

"She is what kept UVA in that game," Grater said. "There were a great number of shots, not just shots on the goalie, but really to the post that she made some incredible saves."

The Terps offense was able to force a penalty corner with no time on the clock. By rule, the Terps were able to get a shot off and for a moment it seemed as if the Terps had tied the game on an Emma Thomas goal. But the umpire ruled the ball had never left the circle and took the goal off the board.

The Terps trailed at halftime for the first time this season. And with the goal wiped off the board all of the momentum was in Virginia's favor.

But the Terps refuse to let it fluster them.

"When you are getting knocked down are you going to get back up or are you going to stay down and complain about it. We chose to get back up."

The Terps not only got up, but raised their level of play out of the Cavilers' reach.

The Terps finally broke through UVA's defense on a penalty corner. Emma Thomas assisted Muracco who scored the Terps first goal of the game and knot it up at 1-1.

About six minutes later, Muracco struck again. This time the senior came through a scramble with the ball and slipped it past Kastuk to give the Terps a 2-1 lead.

"We just said keep shooting and keep putting pressure and keep playing with all of your heart," Muracco said.

While the Terps offense found their groove, the Terps defense locked down the Cavaliers offense. Grater finished the game with seven saves and out dueled one of the top keepers in the country.

Thomas finished off Virgina with a penalty stroke goal to secure the 3-1 win with under five minutes to play.

"It's not just about talent," Grater said. "It's about will. It's not about stopping once you tie or once you're up one goal. But to keep pushing and to get that two goal gap which makes it a little more comfortable.It was a great 70 minutes of field hockey."