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LOUISVILLE, KY - Old Dominion's dreams of its 10th NCAA title fell short on Friday night as they ran into a relentless Maryland defense that shutout the Lady Monarchs 4-0 in the NCAA semifinals.
The Lady Monarchs tried to set the tempo early, earning their first of 11 penalty corners just minutes into the game. But, senior Rebecca Conde's (Andover, UK) shot went wide, a scenario that would plaque ODU, despite earning more penalty corners than Maryland, 11-3, and outshooting Maryland 11-8.
"The ball just didn't go in the net, and while the statistics were on our side, it just didn't go in. We just didn't play the way we normally play, but I have to credit Maryland for taking that away," says ODU head coach Beth Anders.
"Maryland played great, and I give them all the credit in the world, and have nothing but congratulations to give them," says Anders."
The Terrapins scored 14:30 into the first half on an unassisted shot from Colleen Guilick that rebounded off ODU keeper Devon Seifert(Marmora, NJ.). Just three minutes later, they struck again, on a direct shot on goal by Megan Frazer to put the Terps up 2-0, a lead they would hold into halftime.
"We had to have a very different tactic this time playing ODU, so we changed our game plan on Wednesday of this week, which was a big gamble. I am very proud of our kids and the way they played. ODU is an incredible team," says Maryland coach Missy Meharg.
Harriet Tibble put the Terps up 3-0 at the 56:55 mark in the game off an assist from Katie Gerzabek, and then just two minutes later, Jemma Buckley scored in transition off an assist from Jill Witmer to seal the game at 4-0. Maryland will play North Carolina in the national championship game on Sunday.
Lady Monarch leading scorer Emma Batten led ODU in scoring attempts with three shots, two on goal.
"We used the same strategy we have used all year, this time it just wasn't our day," Anders added.
ODU had defeated Maryland in two previous regular season meetings, shutting out the Terps 4-0 in Norfolk, and 5-2 in College Park. The shutout marked the Lady Monarchs first of the year, and first in 17 NCAA "Final Four" appearances.
The Lady Monarchs, who were ranked No. l in the nation for the majority of the 2011 season, finish with a 22-3 record. Old Dominion will host the NCAA national championship in 2012 and 2013 at the Powhatan Sports Complex.