Field Hockey Falls 4-2 to #3 Maryland in Season Opener

Friday, August 28

Geasey Field

3:00 p.m.

Temple University

(0-1)

Maryland

(1-0)

Maryland

Temple

Senior Sarah Deck

Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University

Field Hockey Falls 4-2 to #3 Maryland in Season Opener

8.28.15 | Field Hockey

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Despite scoring a goal in each half against #3 Maryland, the Temple field hockey team was unable to overcome an early deficit and came away with a 4-2 loss against the powerhouse Terrapins. The Friday afternoon Conference Cup Tournament game was the season opener for both teams, and was played in front of a huge crowd at Geasey Field.

"In order for us to get better, we have to play better teams," said Temple head coach Marybeth Freeman after her first game with the Owls. "We have the play the best teams. It's great to start off the season with the No. 3 team. I think we were able to capitalize on our opportunities, percentage-wise...being able to do that against a Maryland is very refreshing. We need to do that a little bit more, but getting in there and being productive is really good for us."

The Owls scored on both of their shots in goal in the contest, while five other shots just missed the mark including one by senior Sarah Deck that hit the post. Scoring for Temple in the first half was senior Tricia Light, while senior Alyssa Delp put one in the back of the cage in the second period.

Maryland freshman Linnea Gonzales scored twice for the Terrapins, and was the first on the scoreboard in the 13th minute of the game. Welma Luus gave Maryland a 2-0 lead with just under 10 minutes remaining in the first half, but the two-goal margin was short-lived.

On a penalty corner play just four minutes later, Light scored off a pass from junior Katie Foran, and the Terps' lead was just 2-1 going into the break.

Gonzales scored on a direct corner early in the second half for a 3-1 Maryland lead, and Anna Dessoye made it 4-1 a few minutes later.

The Owls continued to make pushes offensively, and it paid off just a minute and a half after the final Maryland goal. Senior back Rachel Steinman sent a perfect pass down the field to an open Delp in the circle, where Delp was able to punch the ball into the lower right corner of the cage.

Temple earned two of its five total penalty corners in the remaining time, but shots by Deck were blocked each time by Maryland defenders.

Senior goalkeeper Haley Mitchell made eight saves for the Owls, with four of those coming in each half.

Temple will be back in action on Sunday, taking on Towson at noon in a game hosted by Maryland as part of the Conference Cup Tournament.

Box Score (PDF) l Photo Gallery