Donraadt’s overtime goal sends Terps to championship game
LOUISVILLE, KY. – After more than 77 minutes of scoreless play, Big Ten Freshman of the Year Bibi Donraadt split two defenders and scored to send No. 2 Maryland the NCAA championship game. The Terps (22-2) beat No. 3 Princeton, 1-0, in overtime in the NCAA semifinals on Friday.
Princeton, led by former Terps Carla Tagliente and Dina Rizzo, and Maryland were locked in a defensive battle through the entire match, until Donraadt broke through to move the Terps forward.
Maryland (22-2) will take on top-seeded North Carolina (21-0) on Sunday in the NCAA championship game at 1 p.m. at Louisville’s Trager Stadium.
This is Maryland’s second straight NCAA championship game appearance and 14th overall. The Terps have won eight NCAA titles, seven under Meharg, in 1987, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2011.
“I’m so proud, I’m overwhelmed by the tenacity of our defense,” Terps coach Missy Meharg said. “I thought Princeton was so tactical. They came in layers. I couldn’t be more proud of the coaching staff at Princeton. They are both Terps. This was a phenomenal game and I’m just so proud of this team for finding a way to move forward in the NCAA Tournament.”
Maryland got its first penalty corner of the match in the final 2:00 of the period, but the shot was blocked off the play.
The Terps turned up the offensive pressure, taking three of their six shots in the second period. Princeton was awarded two penalty corners with under three minutes left in regulation, but the Terps’ defense came up with two stops to force overtime.
In the 10-minute, seven-vs.-seven overtime period, the Terps got a penalty corner early, but did not convert. With 2:06 left in the golden goal extra time, Donraadt brought the ball into the circle, split two Princeton defenders and cracked a chip shot that went in just under the crossbar for the score.
Princeton took seven shots to Maryland’s six and had nine penalty corners to the Terps’ two. Goalkeeper Sarah Holliday picked up a save.
The Terps-Tar Heels game will be streamed for free at NCAA.com.