COLLEGE PARK, Md.-The Virginia field hockey team's dramatic run to the finals of the ACC Tournament ended in disappointing fashion yesterday as the Cavaliers suffered a resounding 3-0 loss to defending NCAA champion Maryland at the Athletic Turf Field in College Park.
The loss followed a thrilling 2-1 Cavalier victory Friday night against top-seeded North Carolina, the nation's No. 2 team. That game lasted through two overtimes before the heroics of Cav goalkeeper Becky Worthington lifted fourth-seeded Virginia to victory in penalty strokes.
Even after Friday's thrilling victory, the Cavaliers (14-7) came out surprisingly flat in the first half yesterday. The third-seeded Terrapins (17-3), who have now won three consecutive ACC titles, maintained a steady attack and sophomore forward Carissa Messimer capitalized by scoring a pair of first-half goals, both off rebounds. The Terps, ranked fourth in the nation, dominated the first half statistics, leading in goals (2-0), shots (11-0) and corners (7-0).
|
The No. 9 Cavs nearly struck back early in the second half, as senior forward Lorraine Vizzuso and junior midfielder Jessica Coleman had strong opportunities to score. But the Terps held strong, and again used their tenacity to extend their lead. With six minutes left, senior midfielder Carla Tagliente put in another offensive rebound to cap off Maryland's scoring.
"They had a sustained attack 70 percent of the game," Virginia senior back Julia Richardson said. "It's hard to get it out [of the defensive end] when you look up and it's all white jerseys coming at you."
The final shot differential was 21-4 in favor of Maryland, which also had a 10-2 lead in corners. Worthington made a valiant effort with eight saves and was rewarded with a spot on the All-Tournament team alongside Vizzuso and Richardson.
Worthington "is amazing," Virginia coach Jessica Wilk said. "But she can't stop everything. No goalie can. And I thought for the most part the defense did a nice job, but there were a couple of times that we gave them three or four shots, and they capitalized. They're a good team; they're going to do that."
In Friday's game against North Carolina, victory came thanks to a relentless effort by the team the Maryland press guide called the "Cinderella Cavaliers." Virginia lost both of its meetings with UNC in the regular season, but the third time was the charm.
Carolina (17-3) took the lead on a first-half penalty corner, as senior Jana Toepel dished the ball to junior Abby Martin, whose shot found the right side of the Cavalier net. Virginia tied up the game right out of the gate in the second half, when sophomore forward Katie Slocum scored off a redirection of a loose ball less than a minute into the half. Tied 1-1, both defenses clamped down, sending the game to overtime.
|
In the first golden goal period, the Tar Heels had a great opportunity when they earned a penalty stroke with 10 minutes to go. But Worthington made a tremendous glove save on Martin's shot, keeping Virginia alive.
After two scoreless overtimes, the game went to penalty strokes, where Worthington shined, making four saves in nine chances as the Cavs outmatched the Heels 7-5. Virginia won when Worthington stopped a stroke by forward Abbey Woolley, then cleared the ball as it was rolling toward the net.
"I think it's mental toughness that's getting us through those last two 15-minute periods," Vizzuso said. "Carolina's in great shape; they're a great team. It was a battle out there. It was just a matter of who wanted to gut it out more in the end."
The next challenge for Virginia will be the upcoming NCAA Tournament, which starts next weekend.
"I'm just interested in getting us focused, and making some corrections from today, and making sure we're moving in the right direction come next weekend," Wilk said.
Read More
Mel Josephson and women’s lacrosse prepare to take center stage
By Xander Tilock | 16 hours agoJosephson's ability to perform throughout a game's biggest moments is crucial for the Cavaliers.
Virginia schools can pay players through NIL, but the University should proceed with caution
By Emory Huffman | YesterdayGiven the unique academic and athletic opportunities Virginia is able to offer its athletes, it is not shocking that Virginia has been resistant to extravagant, NIL-induced changes.
Record-setting weekend for Virginia track and field at Penn Relays and Virginia High Performance
By Tanmayi Patil | 2 days agoThe Cavaliers took down records across two events over the weekend.
