Duke Falls to No. 1 Maryland, 3-0

Saturday, October 10

Durham, N.C.

1:00 p.m.

Duke University

Maryland

Stats

Duke Falls to No. 1 Maryland, 3-0

10/10/2009 4:00:00 PM | Field Hockey

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. - Duke was stride for stride with No.1 Maryland in the first half, but fell behind in the second half and lost, 3-0. A goal by forward Melanie Frazer with only 16 seconds remaining in the first period of play ended up being the game-winning score for the Terrapins.

"We did a good job of ticking to our game plan in the first half," head coach Beth Bozman said. "Maryland showed why they are the top team in the country. Considering the youth of our roster, there was some encouraging play. I'm pleased with how we competed in the first half."

The 14th-ranked Blue Devils (6-6, 0-4 ACC) came out with a high level of intensity in the first half. Duke looked organized defensively and senior defender Lauren Miller stepped up numerous times to stop developing attacks from the Maryland forwards. The Terrapins had a slight advantage in shots and corners in the first period, but Duke was able to respond with several scoring chances of its own.

The Blue Devils best scoring opportunities came off two penalty corners. Survilla had one shot from the top of the circle that just sailed over the cage. The senior forward had another blasted attempt that looked destined for the left side of the cage, but it was just nipped by senior goalie Alicia Grater. Grater was diving to the ground and somehow got her glove up in time to stop the ball.

With the seconds winding down in the first half, it appeared that both teams would go into the locker room with the score tied up. It wasn't to be as Frazer dribbled up the right side of the circle and was able to slot a shot into the lower half of the cage past junior goalie Samantha Nelson at the 34:44 mark. It was a tough way to end the half for Duke after putting up a solid defensive effort against the skilled Terrapin attack.

Maryland increased its second half lead with another goal by Frazer in the 41st minute of player. Frazer took on several defenders up the left side of the circle and ripped a shot that nestled into the lower corner of the cage. The play almost mirrored Frazer's goal in the first half, and it was another unassisted goal for the freshman.

The Blue Devils fought to get back into the game, but Maryland went ahead for good in the 45th minute. Nelson saved a hard shot from the right side of the circle that rebounded directly to junior forward Katie O'Donnell, who was able to put the ball in on an open net. It was a bit of bad luck for Duke, as the defense had no way of adjusting to the deflected ball off of Nelson's pad.

Maryland held the advantage in penalty corners (10-4) and shots (17-5). Nelson had seven saves on the day while Grater had two.

Duke will be back on the turf tomorrow, taking on No. 2 North Carolina at 1 p.m. in a non-conference matchup. The tobacco road rivalry game is also the final regular season home match of the year for the Blue Devils. Senior Day ceremonies will be held at the conclusion of play to recognize the contributions that Miller and Survilla have given to Duke over their four years of play.

-d-u-k-e-