Befort, Loncarica and Hess Propel No. 7 Field Hockey to 2-1 Victory at No. 1 Maryland

Saturday, September 13

College Park, Md.

11 a.m.

Syracuse University

Maryland

Sophomore back Maggie Befort tallied the game-winning goal at 62:39.

Befort, Loncarica and Hess Propel No. 7 Field Hockey to 2-1 Victory at No. 1 Maryland

9/13/2008 2:35:28 PM | Field Hockey

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. – A goal in the 62nd minute by sophomore back Maggie Befort and a brilliant save by senior goalkeeper Heather Hess in the final seconds cemented No. 7 Syracuse field hockey’s 2-1 victory at No. 1 Maryland on Saturday afternoon. Syracuse is 5-0 for the second consecutive season, and just the third time in its 37 seasons. Maryland is 4-1. It was the first lost for Maryland in the Terrapin Invitational in the 12-year history of the event.

“It’s a great win for Syracuse hockey. I am so proud of our team,” head coach Ange Bradley said. “To come to Maryland’s field and get the result we wanted is a fabulous thing. Absolutely amazing.”

After a scoreless first half, freshman midfielder Martina Loncarica notched the game’s first goal at 42:59. It was her fifth goal of the season. The freshman took a big swipe at the ball from inside the scoring circle, sending the shot sailing to the back of the cage for the game's first goal. It was the first time this season the Terps had trailed in a game.

Maryland’s Susie Rowe tied the game at 1-1 with her fourth goal of the season at 52:57. The goal was setup by a Terrapin penalty corner.

Befort tallied the game-winning goal at 62:39. She deflected Loncarica’s shot off a Syracuse corner. The goal was Befort’s second of the year. It was Loncarica’s team-best six assist.

Hess then sealed the win when she stonewalled All-American Katie O’Donnell with just 44 seconds remaining on the clock.

“Heather (Hess) really stepped up and played fantastic,” Bradley said. “I could not be more pleased of a player. Her last save of the game was extraordinary.”

Maryland outshot Maryland, 22-15, and recorded 12 penalty corners to SU’s seven.

Hess registered 10 saves for the Orange. Alicia Grater made eight for the Terrapins.

Syracuse remains in College Park for a game against Delaware at noon.