No. 7 Maryland field hockey advances to semifinal in Big Ten Tournament

No. 7 Maryland field hockey survived an upset scare from Michigan State (5-14) to advance to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament.

Down 2-1 at halftime, the Terrapins (17-3) needed a strong second half to avoid an unexpected exit. Big Ten Player of the Year Sarah Sprink tied the game five minutes into the half, scoring off a penalty corner. Just 32 seconds later, senior Welma Luus backhanded the eventual game winner past Michigan State goalie Katie Miller, giving Maryland the 3-2 lead.

Luus scored the first goal of the game to break the tie, knocking in a loose ball six minutes into the game. The game appeared to be headed for a repeat of the first matchup this year between the Terrapins and the Spartans, which Maryland won handily, 5-1. But Michigan State made clear that wouldn't be the case, scoring 13 minutes later.

After senior Heather Howie tied up the score in the 19^th minute, Michigan State took the lead five minutes later off a penalty stroke by junior Kristin Matula. The Spartans' two goals were more than they had scored in their three previous games combined.

The second half was all Maryland, as the Terps outshot Michigan State 20-3. Sprink, named Big Ten Player of the Year on Wednesday, scored her 10^th goal of the season five minutes into the second half. Just 32 seconds later, sophomore Lein Holsboer assisted Luus' second goal of the day. It was Luus' team leading 15^th goal.

Maryland will play No. 4 seed Northwestern (13-7) in the Big Ten Semifinals Friday at 1:30. That game will be played in Indiana at the Big Ten Tournament, and will be televised nationally on the Big Ten Network.