Maryland Field Hockey Crushes Iowa to End Season
The Terrapins secured a 5-1 victory in their final regular season game before entering the Big Ten Tournament.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Hockey
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Maryland dominated Iowa in a 5-1 victory to conclude the regular season. The team utilized four goals from penalty corners to secure the win in College Park.
Why it matters
The decisive win serves as a major statement for Maryland as the team prepares to enter the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. The squad will move into the postseason as the No. 2 seed with significant momentum.
Maryland converted four of its seven penalty corner opportunities into goals. Maci Bradford contributed six total points to the effort, while Francisca Eschoyez reached 10 goals for the season.
The players
Maci Bradford
She is a key offensive contributor for the Maryland field hockey team who recorded two goals and two assists against Iowa.
Francisca Eschoyez
She serves as a primary scoring threat for the Terrapins and reached her 10th goal of the season during the regular season finale.
Abby Johnson
She is an Iowa goalkeeper who entered the match as a replacement for Julia Claessens.
Alyssa Klebasko
She is the goalkeeper for Maryland responsible for recording saves during the team's victory.
The details
Maryland overwhelmed the Iowa defense by scoring three goals in the opening quarter while holding the Hawkeyes shotless during that frame. The offensive surge was anchored by Maci Bradford and Francisca Eschoyez, who each tallied two goals, while Jordan Byers recorded the lone goal for Iowa.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Maci Bradford scored a game-winner against Wake Forest.
October 30, 2026: Maryland played Iowa in their final regular season game.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Maryland begins play in the Big Ten Tournament.
Season Trajectory
Maryland enters the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 2 seed after successfully concluding its regular season. The team's performance against Iowa positions them as a top contender heading into the postseason tournament in Columbus.
The victory ensures Maryland will enter the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 2 seed. Fans can look forward to a tournament opening matchup on November 4 in Columbus.
The takeaway
Maryland maximized its training time by focusing heavily on penalty corner execution, which proved to be the deciding factor in the game. This disciplined approach to set pieces will be critical for the team's success in the upcoming high-stakes tournament environment.
What happens next
Maryland will compete in the Big Ten Tournament starting Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Columbus against either Michigan or Ohio State.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the team, visit the Hockey section.
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