No. 6 Maryland field hockey win big on Senior Day

Multiple story lines intersected as No. 6 Maryland (15-3) won their final regular season home game 6-0 over in-state rival Towson (2-14) Sunday on Senior Day.

Maryland sophomore Lein Holsboer scored just five minutes into the game, breaking the deadlock. Holsboer received the pass from senior Anna Dessoye, who recorded career assist number 50. Dessoye is the sixth Terrapin in program history to record 50 career assists.

Ten minutes later, senior captain Sarah Sprink scored off a penalty corner. "[Sarah] has so much power into the circle," said coach Missy Meharg. "She has that over most players you see in the world." The goal was Sprink's eighth on the year.

Junior Floor Paanakker scored her first goal of the season with 9:36 left in the first half, giving Maryland a 3-0 lead. Paanakker drove the shot past Towson goalie Emilee Woodall. Woodall, who only played in the first half, recorded nine saves.

With 7:37 left in the first half, sophomore Carrie Hanks drove the ball into middle of the arc. Big Ten co-offensive player of the week Welma Luus, celebrating her senior day, deflected it in, scoring her team leading 13^th goal of the season.

Towson made a goalie swtich at halftime, bringing in junior Megan Boyle. Boyle played very well, saving 17 shots, but couldn't keep out senior Shari Jones. Jones scored twice in the second half, bringing her season total to three.

The first goal came off an assist from fellow senior Sprink and gave the Terrapins a 5-0 advantage seven minutes into the second half. 12 minutes later, Jones corralled a rebound and lifted it past Boyle for the final goal of the game. "It felt great," said Jones. "To see other people's faces on our team and their happiness when other people score, it's just a great feeling."

The 6-0 victory is Maryland's fifth straight shutout, the longest run in program history.  "This unit works really hard," said Meharg. [Assistant coach] Joppe de Vries is a very good goalie coach. I'm really pleased with the chemistry between our deep defense and any goalie that is playing at the time."

Maryland closes out the regular season Saturday at Iowa (9-8). A win would clinch the Big Ten title outright for the Terrapins.