Virginia Field Hockey Dominates Maryland 4-0, Advances to NCAA Semifinals
Since defeating Maryland in overtime to advance to the semifinals in 2019, the Virginia field hockey team has had some rather bad fortune against the Terrapins, suffering four-consecutive losses in the series. That losing streak included an overtime regular season loss in 2021, a 2-1 loss in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, a 2-0 loss at Maryland in the regular season in 2022, and then a 2-1 loss at home to the Terps earlier this season.
So, it seemed only fitting that it was the Terrapins standing in the way of the Cavaliers in the quarterfinals, with their first trip to the semifinals since 2019 on the line.
This time, though, there was no drama, as Virginia left no doubt with a dominant 4-0 victory over No. 4 seed Maryland on Sunday afternoon in College Park, propelling the Cavaliers to next weekend's 2023 NCAA Field Hockey Championship semifinals.
Things were remarkably even in the opening quarter, with Virginia and Maryland recording four shots apiece, three penalty corners apiece, and one save apiece. UVA broke through with a little less than six minutes to go in the first period on one of those penalty corners. Virginia's initial shot was blocked, but the rebound came right to Dani Mendez-Trendler, who swept the ball into the back of the cage to give the Cavaliers the early 1-0 lead.
After a largely 50-50 first quarter, Virginia came out and dominated the second quarter, outshooting Maryland 4-0 and scoring on the only penalty corner of the period. UVA doubled its lead to 2-0 on a well-executed corner, as as Noa Boterman made an extra pass down to the left doorstep, where Madison Orsi chipped her shot over the goalkeeper for her first-career goal.
UVA continued its domination coming out of halftime, holding Maryland without a shot again in the third quarter and keeping the Terrapins on their heels. Minnie Pollock made it 3-0 in favor of Virginia with a steal and sweet backhanded shot that found the back left corner of the cage.
Virginia refused to let up even in the fourth quarter with the game well in hand. The Cavaliers continued to pressure the Terrapins and eventually Adele Iacobucci fired a shot past the Maryland keeper to put the finishing touches on UVA's 4-0 victory.
Virginia outplayed Maryland in every facet of the match. Shots were 16-6 in favor of the Hoos, as were shots on goal (11-1) and corners (9-5). Such a performance is even more impressive considering the Cavaliers have been playing without head coach Michele Madison, who went on leave for undisclosed reasons back on October 26th.
With the win, Virginia advances to the NCAA semifinals for the sixth time in program history and first time since 2019. Another familiar opponent awaits in the semifinals, as Virginia will meet No. 1 seed and defending national champion North Carolina, who defeated Harvard on Sunday in the quarterfinals.
The Cavaliers and Tar Heels have met twice this season already, with both meetings taking place in Charlottesville in the last month. Virginia knocked off North Carolina 3-2 at the Turf Field on October 20th, but the Heels got their revenge less than two weeks later by defeating UVA 3-2 in the semifinals of the ACC Championship.
Now, Virginia and North Carolina will meet again with a trip to the title game at stake on Friday, November 17th. UNC will host the semifinals at Karen Shelton Stadium in Chapel Hill.
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