Maryland field hockey delivered a stunning upset on Thursday, defeating No. 6 Duke 3-2 in a shootout that not only secured a 4-0 start to the season but also marked the Terps' first win against a top-10 opponent this year.
Duke had opened the contest with a two-goal advantage, bolstered by strong possession and a 10-5 edge in penalty corners, yet Maryland answered back with a penalty corner conversion by Francisca Eschoyez that cut the deficit and sparked a rally.
A Comeback for the Ages
The turning point arrived in the 58th minute when freshman Ella Beach netted her first collegiate goal, tying the game and forcing overtime after a tightly contested third quarter in which Duke failed to score.
In the ensuing shootout, Beach not only supplied the game-winning tally but also became the focal point of a nail-biting sequence, while goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko made three consecutive saves, including a crucial stop during regulation play.
The victory represents Maryland's inaugural triumph over a top-10 foe this season and the first since 2022, breaking a series advantage that had favored Duke for decades, and it underscores the depth and resilience of a program that now sits at 4-0.
With contributions from a roster that includes Ashley Stockdale, Juliette Schulten, and several other Terps, the win highlights a collective effort that bodes well for the remainder of the schedule and the team's pursuit of a conference title.