Maryland field hockey crushes California, 5-0

The Maryland field hockey team looked to generate more positive momentum during its season-opening West Coast road trip, and it did just that against California, winning 5-0 on the road Sunday.

The Terrapins were in control the whole game, outshooting the Golden Bears 17-5. Maryland entered the half with a 1-0 lead but scored four goals in the second half to turn this game into a blowout. Nike Lorenz, who recorded a hat trick in the season opener, added two more goals Sunday, and Linnea Gonzales scored two goals of her own.

In the first half, the Terrapins overpowered the Golden Bears with offensive pressure, tallying five shots (all on goal) and four corners in the first 35 minutes of play. Nike Lorenz scored her fourth goal of the season thanks to assists by Sabrina Rhodes and Julie Duncan just over 23 minutes into the contest, and Maryland took that 1-0 lead into the half.

Coming out in the second half, Maryland continued their offensive game plan, pushing California back and doubling their lead. This second goal came from a deflection by Sophie Giezeman (assisted by Rhodes) off of a corner just three minutes and nine seconds into the second half.

Maryland would add a third tally 43 minutes into the contest, as Rhodes passed a corner to Mayv Clune, who left it off for Lorenz to add her second goal of the game. Linnea Gonzales would score her first two goals (both unassisted) of the season in the 66th minute just 43 seconds apart, giving Maryland a 5-0 lead as the game came to a close

The Terrapins will look to start 3-0 as they face off with UC Davis in a 2 p.m. ET tilt on Monday to close out this West Coast road trip.

Three things to know

1. New goalie, same story. Maryland pitched its second consecutive shutout to start the season despite changing up who was in net. Junior keeper Noelle Frost stepped in to replace Sarah Holliday, and was able to keep the slate clean to continue the 2018 season.
2. Linnea Gonzales found her way on the scoreboard. After scoring 10 goals in each of her first three seasons, the senior got on the board for the first two times this season. Both goals were unassisted in the 66th minute. As Maryland continues through the season, the team may rely on her to help separate them from opponents.
3. Nike Lorenz continued to dominate. The junior transfer from Germany made her presence felt on offense again, as she added two more goals in 56 minutes of play. She has become a focal point of this offense in set pieces and certainly has helped guide Maryland through this smooth start.