No. 1 Maryland Defeats No. 10 Iowa 4-1 in Big Ten Tournament Semifinals

The No. 1 Maryland field hockey team defeated No. 10 Iowa 4-1 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Friday, November 6, 2026. Maryland secured their spot in the championship game after a dominant performance that included two goals from Babs Van Hest and a decisive scoring surge in the first half.

Maryland set the tone early in the contest, establishing a lead that the Hawkeyes struggled to overcome despite a mid-game defensive shift. According to reports from the Daily Iowan, the Terrapins capitalized on momentum almost immediately, striking just five minutes into the match through second-year forward Jordyn Hollamon.

The efficiency of the Maryland offense was a defining characteristic of the match. After Hollamon’s opening goal, Babs Van Hest extended the lead to 2-0 with only one minute remaining in the first period, following a penalty corner insert. This early cushion allowed Maryland to dictate the tempo, even as Iowa attempted to restructure their lineup to stem the tide.

Iowa adjusts defense to counter Maryland momentum

Facing a significant deficit, Iowa head coach Lisa Cellucci made a tactical change prior to the second period, opting to start fourth-year Abby Johnson in goal to replace first-year Julia Claessens. This move appeared to yield immediate results, as the Hawkeyes tightened their defensive posture and limited Maryland’s ability to expand the lead during the middle frames.

However, Maryland’s offensive pressure remained persistent. The Terrapins utilized penalty corners effectively, a recurring theme throughout the game. As noted in the official box score from University of Maryland Athletics, Maci Bradford was a central figure in these opportunities, earning an assist for Ella Beach’s goal in the third period, which pushed the score to 3-0.

No. 1 Maryland Defeats No. 10 Iowa 4-1 in Big Ten Tournament Semifinals — Photo: dailyiowan.com

Iowa did find a momentary spark to keep the contest competitive. Frederique van Cleef, a fifth-year Hawkeye, found the back of the net just two minutes after Beach’s goal, assisted by third-year Lexi Haig. This brought the score to 3-1 and provided a brief window of hope for the No. 10 ranked Hawkeyes.

The comeback attempt was ultimately stifled by Maryland’s ability to strike late in the third period. With only ten seconds left in the frame, Van Hest scored her second goal of the game off an assist from Francisca Eschoyez. This final blow effectively ended Iowa’s momentum and established a lead that Maryland would carry through a scoreless fourth period.

Statistical breakdown of the semifinal matchup

The disparity in offensive production and shot management is reflected in the final team statistics. While Iowa managed to find the net once, Maryland’s ability to convert opportunities and control the field was evident in the total shots and saves recorded.

Team	Goals	Shots	Shots on Goal	Saves
Maryland	4	12	5	1
Iowa	1	6	2	4

Maryland’s Babs Van Hest led the scoring effort with two goals, while Jordyn Hollamon and Ella Beach contributed one each. For Iowa, Frederique van Cleef provided the lone goal. On the defensive end, Maryland’s Alyssa Klebasko recorded one save in 60 minutes of play, while Iowa’s Abby Johnson tallied four saves after entering the game in the second period.

Tournament implications and next steps

The loss places Iowa’s season in a critical juncture as they await the postseason landscape. The Hawkeyes, currently ranked No. 10 in the nation, must now look toward the NCAA Tournament to define their year.

WBB: Big Ten Tournament Semifinals – Iowa vs Maryland

The NCAA Tournament selection show is scheduled to air on Sunday, Nov. 8, with a livestream available via the official NCAA website. For Maryland, the victory ensures they move forward into the Big Ten Championship game, maintaining their status as the top-ranked program in the tournament field.

The outcome of this semifinal highlights the narrow margins present in high-stakes conference play, where a single late-period goal can shift the trajectory of an entire season.