No. 9 Maryland Field Hockey beats Michigan State 5-1, extends win streak to six

No. 9 Maryland (8-3) dominated the first half, scoring all five of their goals in the first period. "If I were to define what the brand of Maryland hockey is, that first half really exemplifies that," said head coach Missy Meharg.

Senior Welma Luus started the scoring just two minutes into the game, spinning to get her hands free and putting the ball in the back of the net. It was Luus' fifth goal of the season and a sign of what was to come.

Freshman Linnea Gonzales scored her first of two goals on the day with 26 minutes left in the first half. The early 2-0 lead forced Michigan State to pull junior Sierra Patton, who had played every minute of the season so far. Sophomore Katie Miller came in for Patton and played well, saving 11 shots.

Maryland extended their lead to 3-0 off a goal from sophomore Carrie Hanks. It was Hanks' second goal of the season and provided the first of a quick two-goal burst. Less than two minutes later, Gonzales scored her second of the day off a drive from the right side of the circle. "Missy always says to take a shot once you get in the circle," said Gonzales. "We really capitalized when we got the chances."

Sophomore Brooke Adler scored her first goal of the season with just under seven minutes left in the first half to make it 5-0. Gonzales took a shot off a penalty corner and hit the post but Adler was in position for the put back.

Michigan State scored one goal in the second half with 25 minutes left but couldn't get any other offense going. The Spartans were outshot 25-8 and had only three penalty corners to Maryland's seven.

Maryland starts their road trip on Friday at Ohio State (6-3), their first of five away games.