Maryland Field Hockey Hands No. 5 American First Loss
Jackie Ciconte scores the game-winning goal for the second-
straight game.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The No. 3 Maryland field hockey team
defeated its second-straight top five team, handing local
rival No. 5 American its first loss of the season, 2-1, on
Wednesday afternoon in Washington, D.C. Senior Jackie
Ciconte scored the game-winning goal for the second-straight
game.

Entering the contest on a 15-game win streak, the Eagles (15-
1) took a 1-0 lead as Javiera Villagra slapped in a rebound
in the 14th minute.

After battling back and forth, Maryland (17-2) drew a
penalty corner and senior co-captain Emily Beach (Bethesda,
Md.) pounded the shot into the cage for the equalizer at
23:16. Senior Tiffany Marsh (Marathon, N.Y.) and sophomore
Janneke van Leeuwen (Hilversum, Netherlands) were both
credited with assists. Both are ranked nationally in that
category.

The Terps scored the go-ahead tally seven minutes later. A
misplayed ball by an American defender was picked up by
senior Meredith Long (Ocean City, N.J.) who took a shot on
goal. The ball rolled passed AU goalkeeper Allison Fayfich
and in front of the open net. Ciconte then dove forward for
the tip in and the score.

The second half was just as tightly contested as the first.
AU created some opportunities for itself in the period to
try to even up the game, again. But the Maryland defense,
which is ranked in the top five in the nation, made several
clears in front of the net and Terrapin goalkeeper Kathryn
Masson (Richmond, British Columbia) also made a couple of
saves to hold off the Eagles.

The win marks the final regular season game for Maryland and
the 400th-career game for 18th year head coach Missy Meharg.
She is only the 32nd coach in NCAA history to have coached
more than 400 games.

The Terps will take a week off before the ACC Tournament
which will be hosted by the University of Maryland on Nov.
3, 4 and 5. Tickets can be bought online at www.umterps.com
or can be purchased at the Comcast Center Ticket Office.
Seedings and bracket will be announced at a later date by
the ACC.

No. 3 Maryland (17-2)   2     0  -  0
No. 5 American (15-1)   1     0  -  1

GOALS: MD, Emily Beach (Tiffany Marsh, Janneke van Leeuwen),
pc, 23:16; Jackie Ciconte (Meredith Long), 30:18. AU,
Javiera Villagra, 13:11. SHOTS: MD 11, AU 9. PENALTY
CORNERS: MD 5, AU 4. SAVES: MD, Kathryn Masson 3 (1 GA,
70:00); AU, Allison Fayfich 3 (2 GA, 70:00). ATTENDANCE:
1188.