#6 Michigan Field Hockey beats #15 Maryland on 2OT buzzer beater

The table was set last Sunday after Michigan's mauling of #3 Penn State. Today's game has been circled since the schedules came out, and it did not disappoint.

#6 Michigan took on #15 Maryland earlier today at Ocker Field. 

A monkey that has long been on the back of the program. Prior to today, Michigan was just 1-16 all-time against Maryland. The lone win coming in the 2001 NCAA National Championship. 

Since then it was nothing but painfully close losses with terrible officiating in almost all of the games. Despite the lopsided series record, this series has all the makings of a rivalry and I consider it one.

Michigan wasted no time making it known that today was the day. 

Just 1:06 into the game, Carly Bennett but Michigan up 1-0. The Wolverines added another goal 19 minutes later when Halle O'Neill scored her first career goal on a penalty corner.

Maryland got one back on a carry-in just before halftime to cut the Michigan lead to 2-1.

This wasn't going to be easy, beating Maryland. Despite the Terrapins having 4 losses, 3 of them were by 1 goal and at the end of the day, it's still Maryland. 

It wasn't easy in the 2nd half. Maryland took advantage a poor green card call against Michigan and went top shelf to tie the game at 2-2 with just 10 minutes left in regulation.

Michigan dominated in shots in the 2nd half, outshooting Maryland 7-2. This coming after both teams having 6 shots in the 1st half.

The Wolverines also domianted play in both OT periods, outshooting Maryland a combined 8-1 margin. After a scoreless first OT, Maryland (by my memory) could not even establish a possession in Michigan's zone.

Time ticked away in the 2nd OT. It would've been terrible if time expired. The game would've went to a penalty stroke shootout which would've been a poor way to end a game that was a classic.

Thankfully, Michigan struck before the clock struck midnight.

With ONE SECOND left on the clock, Emma Way scored on a scrum in front of the cage that drew the Maryland keeper out far enough. One of the biggest goals in program history, no doubt.

Michigan takes down #15 Maryland, 3-2 in 2OT. 

This comes on the heels of a blowout of #3 Penn State on the road. Absolutely outstanding. I couldn't be more proud of this team tonight. 

Michigan is now 8-2 and 4-0 in the B1G. Next up is a non-conference game on Sunday against Ball State at Ocker Field.

some photos I took-