Maryland field hockey beats Ohio State, 2-1, in OT

Riding a three-game winning streak, the No. 6 Maryland field hockey team had the momentum in its favor as it traveled to Columbus to play Ohio State. The momentum paid off as Linnea Gonzales’ 77th minute overtime goal sealed a 2-1 victory for the Terps on Friday.

Maryland opened the scoring in the 27th minute as Carrie Hanks scored her first of the season for the Terps.

The Terps would maintain their 1-0 lead going into the half, but Ohio State would be quick to respond at the start of the second period. Less than 90 seconds into the period, Irene Fritschy tied the game for the Buckeyes.

The contest would remain tight for the remainder of the period, but the score would remain tied, forcing Maryland’s second overtime game of the season.

In a back-and-forth overtime period, Ohio State had an early chance with a penalty corner in the 73rd minute, but the Buckeyes’ two shots were easily kicked away by goalie Sarah Bates, who was starting her third straight game.

So far, Bates has really embraced her starting role, and credit coach Missy Meharg for putting faith in the redshirt junior.

However, in the 77th minute, Maryland won a penalty corner, which turned into the game-winning goal. Off an assist from Grace Balsdon, Linnea Gonzales scored her 8th goal of the season, winning the game for the Terps.

Gonzales has been on a hot streak lately, scoring in each of her last two games. She is just one of several Maryland scorers who are approaching the double-digit goal mark this season.

Up next for the Terps is one of their toughest challenges of the season, a date with No. 5 Penn State in State College this Sunday at 4 p.m on BTN.