Sept. 12, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Penn State field hockey team fell into an early hole and couldn't respond, dropping an 8-1 decision to No. 1 Maryland in the first day of the Terrapin Invitational on Saturday. Christine Dudek scored the Lions' goal while goalkeeper Ayla Halus made seven saves over the final 45:46 in her first collegiate action.
The nation's top team and defending national champion came out firing with five first half goals, three off penalty corners, for a 5-0 advantage after 35 minutes of play.
Dudek scored only 2:54 into the second half to give Penn State life, but the Terps responded with three more tallies for the win.
Final shots were 22-8 in favor of Maryland while the Terrapins had nine penalty corners to Penn State's five. Megan Frazer led the way for Maryland with three goals while Nicole Muracco had two.
The Nittany Lions return to action on Sunday at 12 p.m. as they face American University for only the third time in program history.
Follow Penn State field hockey on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PennStateFH