Go ahead ladies. Take your victory lap around the Maryland Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. You earned it.
The 2008 NCAA Champion Maryland Field Hockey Team returns to defend its title. Three of the eleven spots on the Preseason All-ACC Team are occupied by Terrapins. Forward Katie O’Donnell ranked second in scoring and assists in the nation last year, and was the NCAA Offensive Player of the Year. Katie is not only the best collegiate player in the country, she also has a well documented, fantastic smile. She’s not the only one. Backfielder Emma Thomas joined Maryland in mid-season 2008 and made an immediate impact, scoring 22 points in 16 games. Midfielder Brianna Davies was a Third Team All-American last year, and returns to lead a shutdown midfield defense. Ameliet Rischen is also key to successful D at midfield. Ameliet returns for her senior year looking better than ever.
The Terps will miss team leaders Susie Rowe, who tied the team record for goals in a season last year, and Sarah Scholl, who was an offensive spark plug that also led the team in blogging. However, the person most key to the team’s success, seven-time NCAA Coach of the Year Missy Meharg, does return for her 22nd year. Last year marked the fifth championship the Terps have won over Meharg. What can you say? You can’t miss with Missy.
It’s easy to make bold predictions when you’re not the one that has to fulfill them, so I’m going to make one. The Terrapins will successfully defend their National Championship. Despite losing a few key players, the team returns with a lot of talent. The Terps have balanced scoring and defense. Just one look at the smile on their faces tells you they have what it takes.
Maryland Field Hockey Murderers Row
Katie O'Donnell has the smile of a champion.
Emma Thomas has the smile of a champion.
Brianna Davies has the smile of a champion.
Ameliet Rischen has the smile of an international supermodel.
Shell Games 