Terp Field Hockey are NCAA Champs Again with Late-game Push

It was a true nail-biter this weekend for the University of Maryland field hockey team, when it won the National Championships against top seed North Carolina.

Down by one, senior Jemma Buckley drilled in a goal off a penalty corner with 0:00 on the clock, tying the score at 2-2 and forcing the game into overtime.

"We had the attitude of never give up," Buckley told Sport Illustrated. "With no time on the clock, we knew it was our last chance."

Sophomore Jill Witmer took the winning shot in the 81st minute of play, and the Terps won their fifth National title in seven years, their eighth total.

Maryland never took the lead on Sunday until overtime.

Down by two goals and facing just four minutes left of game time, Terps’ Freshman Katie Gerzabek knocked one in off a long pass to finally put Maryland on the scoreboard.

"The energy for Maryland was just absolutely desperate," Terp Coach Missy Meharg told The Diamondback.

Maryland goalkeeper Melissa Vassalotti had a career-high eight saves in the game. The North Carolina Tar Heels outshot the Terps 13-6.

It was the second year in a row that Maryland won in overtime. Last year the Terps beat North Carolina 3-2 in double overtime, Sports Illustrated reported.

View a photo gallery from the rainy day here.

Editor's Note: This story has been corrected. The original story incorrectly named the athlete who made the first goal. We regret the error.