Maryland Field Hockey Clinches Share of Big Ten Championship With Dominant 5-1 Victory Over No. 9 Iowa
By Brian Hradsky
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland 5, Iowa 1 (Final, Oct. 30, 2026).
The No. 2 Maryland Terrapins field hockey team capped off a remarkable 2026 regular season with a commanding 5-1 victory over No. 9 Iowa, securing a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship and adding another trophy to one of college field hockey’s most successful programs. Behind two goals apiece from Maci Bradford and Francisca Eschoyez, Maryland overwhelmed the Hawkeyes early and never surrendered control. The victory improved the Terrapins to 16-1 overall and 7-1 in Big Ten play, while Iowa finished 12-4 overall and 4-4 in conference competition. Maryland also completed a perfect 10-0 home season at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex.
Maryland Captures Its 28th Conference Championship
Maryland’s latest conference championship represents the program’s 28th overall conference title since its founding in 1974, including championships earned during its years in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Terrapins now have nine Big Ten field hockey championships, consisting of seven regular-season titles and two conference tournament crowns. Maryland shared the 2026 regular-season championship with Northwestern, which also finished 7-1 in Big Ten competition. The achievement marks another major milestone for legendary head coach Missy Meharg, who continues to guide Maryland among the nation’s elite programs.
The Terrapins’ seven Big Ten regular-season championships have come in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2026. Maryland also captured Big Ten Tournament championships in 2015 and 2018, demonstrating its ability to perform throughout the regular season and postseason. The latest title is especially significant because Maryland entered the conference in 2014 and has consistently established itself as one of its premier field hockey programs. It also represents the University of Maryland’s 52nd Big Ten championship across all sports since joining the conference.
Explosive First Quarter Sets the Tone
Maryland wasted little time establishing its dominance against Iowa, scoring three goals in the opening 12 minutes. Bradford opened the scoring just 1:21 into the contest after receiving a pass from Ella Beach, giving the Terrapins an immediate 1-0 advantage. Eschoyez doubled the lead at 3:25, converting a scoring opportunity created by Bradford and Beach. The rapid start forced Iowa to defend under considerable pressure before the Hawkeyes could establish their offensive rhythm.
Eschoyez struck again at 11:37, scoring her second goal of the afternoon off assists from Bradford and Babs van Hest. The goal extended Maryland’s lead to 3-0 and gave Eschoyez 11 goals for the season, the most on the team. Maryland scored on each of its first three shots, showcasing the efficiency of an offense that has consistently challenged opposing defenses throughout the season. The Terrapins finished the first quarter with a 4-0 advantage in shots, leaving Iowa without a single scoring attempt during the opening 15 minutes.
Iowa Responds, but Maryland Maintains Control
Iowa began generating offensive opportunities during the second quarter after struggling to advance the ball against Maryland’s defense. The Hawkeyes recorded their first shot in the 19th minute and eventually forced goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko to make her first save in the 27th minute. Maryland did not record a shot during the second quarter, but its defensive organization prevented Iowa from cutting into the advantage. The Terrapins entered halftime holding a comfortable 3-0 lead.
The Hawkeyes finally broke through at 31:48 when Jordan Byers scored following a penalty corner, trimming Maryland’s lead to 3-1. Iowa’s goal briefly created an opportunity for a comeback, but the Terrapins answered before the momentum could shift. Bradford scored her second goal at 34:29, with Ella Fehr providing the assist, restoring Maryland’s three-goal advantage. The response demonstrated the Terrapins’ ability to counter an opponent’s offensive surge with immediate production of their own.
Beach delivered Maryland’s fifth goal at 43:53, redirecting an opportunity created by Eschoyez to extend the advantage to 5-1. The goal completed an impressive afternoon for Beach, who finished with one goal and two assists. Maryland carried its four-goal lead into the final quarter and controlled the remaining minutes without allowing another Iowa goal. The Terrapins secured their sixth victory over a nationally ranked opponent this season and their seventh consecutive win against the Hawkeyes.
Bradford and Eschoyez Lead the Offense
Bradford delivered one of Maryland’s most complete individual performances of the season, finishing with two goals and two assists. Her four-point afternoon highlighted her ability to create scoring opportunities while also capitalizing on chances inside the attacking circle. Bradford concluded the regular season with six goals and a team-leading 15 assists, establishing herself as one of Maryland’s most important offensive contributors. Her production against a nationally ranked Iowa defense reinforced the depth and versatility of the Terrapins’ attack.
Eschoyez was equally impressive, contributing two goals and an assist while consistently creating problems for Iowa’s defense. Her two first-quarter goals helped Maryland seize control before the Hawkeyes could settle into the game. Eschoyez finished the regular season with a team-leading 11 goals, providing the Terrapins with a reliable scoring threat. Beach added three points with a goal and two assists, while van Hest and Fehr also contributed assists in the victory.
Alyssa Klebasko Reaches 50 Career Victories
While Maryland’s offense dominated the headlines, goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko achieved an important individual milestone. Klebasko made three saves against Iowa and earned the 50th victory of her collegiate career, another achievement for one of Maryland’s most dependable players. Her performance increased her career saves total to 258, ranking sixth in program history. The milestone reflected her consistency and the strength of Maryland’s defensive system throughout her career.
Maryland’s defense has been especially impressive during the 2026 season, allowing just 15 goals across 17 regular-season games. The Terrapins surrendered only eight goals during their eight Big Ten contests and recorded nine shutouts overall. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities has complemented an offense capable of producing multiple goals against nationally ranked competition. That combination has made Maryland one of the country’s strongest championship contenders.
Maryland’s Remarkable Regular-Season Numbers
Maryland’s 16-1 record stands among the strongest regular-season performances in program history. The Terrapins outscored their opponents 59-15 and outshot them 266-147, demonstrating their ability to control games at both ends of the field. Their nine shutouts further illustrate the consistency of a defensive unit that rarely allowed opponents to establish sustained pressure. Maryland also finished the regular season with one or fewer losses for just the seventh time in program history.
The Terrapins recorded six victories over ranked opponents, including wins against Duke, Michigan, Indiana and Iowa. Their only defeat came against Northwestern, which earned the Big Ten Tournament’s top seed through the head-to-head tiebreaker. Maryland responded to that loss with consecutive conference victories over Indiana and Iowa to close the regular season. The strong finish puts the Terrapins in excellent position as postseason competition begins.
Big Ten Tournament: Maryland Faces Ohio State
Maryland will enter the 2026 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament as the No. 2 seed, with Northwestern receiving the No. 1 seed despite the teams sharing the regular-season championship. The Terrapins will face No. 7 seed Ohio State on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. Eastern at Buckeye Varsity Field in Columbus, Ohio. Maryland defeated Ohio State 4-0 during their regular-season meeting on Oct. 18, giving the Terrapins confidence heading into the rematch. The quarterfinal will stream on B1G+, with the tournament championship scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8.
A victory over Ohio State would advance Maryland to Friday’s semifinals against the winner of Penn State and Iowa. That potential matchup could provide another opportunity for the Terrapins to demonstrate their strength against nationally ranked competition. Northwestern occupies the opposite side of the bracket, creating the possibility of a championship-game rematch between the conference’s two regular-season champions. Maryland will attempt to secure its first Big Ten Tournament championship since 2018.
MSB Take: Maryland Has the Pieces to Win a National Championship
Maryland’s performance against Iowa was more than an impressive regular-season finale. The Terrapins demonstrated the scoring depth, defensive discipline and composure that championship teams need during postseason competition. Bradford and Eschoyez provide dangerous offensive options, while Beach has emerged as an important contributor in Maryland’s attacking system. Klebasko’s experience in goal gives the Terrapins another advantage when games become tight.
The biggest challenge will be maintaining that consistency against the nation’s strongest programs, particularly Northwestern, which handed Maryland its only loss. The Terrapins have already shown they can beat elite competition, and their 16-1 record is evidence of how difficult they are to defeat. With another Big Ten regular-season championship secured, Maryland now has an opportunity to add a conference tournament title and pursue the program’s ninth NCAA national championship. If the Terrapins continue playing with the same urgency they displayed against Iowa, they should remain among the leading contenders for the national title.
