Sept. 7, 2001

EVANSTON, Ill. - The Northwestern field hockey team took to the road for the first time this season taking on the University of Maryland in College Park, Md. The Terrapins took control of the game early, scoring 3:12 into the contest and never looking back. U-of-M went on to score three times in the first half and once in the second, winning 4-0. Maryland improved to 4-1 as NU fell to 1-4.

This was a game our girls will learn from, said head coach Marisa Didio. Maryland is a quality team with a lot of skill people, maybe the best we've played since I came back to Northwestern. We did a good job of keeping our composure and playing hard to the final whistle.

With the Maryland offense firing on all cylinders, the NU defense did a good job of creating scoring opportunities for the offense in the second half. Nicole Smith (Warnbro, Australia/Como Senior) led the attack with three shots on goal as Michelle Cifelli (Fairfield, N.J./West Essex) and Diane Provencher (North Conway, N.H./Kennett) each tallied one.

In goal for the Wildcats, junior Kendra Mesa (Madison, Conn./Daniel Hand) recorded 13 saves giving her 20 for the season.

In all, Maryland outshot the Wildcats 18-5 and recorded 15 penalty corners compared to two for NU.

Northwestern is back in action on Sunday, September 9, when they take on James Madison at noon, eastern time.