Defense shines as No. 8 Maryland field hockey shuts out Penn State

No. 8 Maryland field hockey (11-3) defeated Penn State 1-0 on Friday night in State College.

Senior Alyssa Parker scored the only goal of the game 16 minutes into the first half, off an assist from sophomore Lein Holsboer. Holsboer played it to Parker, who received it close to the left side of the goal, and slotted it past Penn State freshman goalie Jenny Rizzo.

Despite the goal, Rizzo continued her impressive form, stopping seven shots during the game. She excelled late in the first half when the Terrapins appeared poised to open the game up, saving four shots in a five-minute span.

Penn State (5-7) played very strong defensively, holding Maryland to their lowest score all year in a victory. It was Maryland's first 1-0 win since defeating Penn State 1-0 in the Big Ten semifinals last year. Maryland's 15 shots were five below their average shots per game.

Co-defensive player of the week Sarah Sprink anchored the Terrapin backline, earning their second shutout of the season. It was also the second shutout of freshman goalie Sarah Holliday's career.

Maryland field hockey travels to No. 15 Old Dominion on Wednesday. It will be the Terrapins' seventh ranked opponent this year.