Virginia Field Hockey heading to the Final Four after OT win over Maryland

For the first time since 2010, the Virginia Field Hockey team is heading to the NCAA tournament semifinals. The Cavaliers picked up a huge 1-0 OT win over the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday afternoon, thanks to a well-timed goal. This is Virginia’s fifth trip to the Final Four in program history.

Virginia improved to 18-4 on the season with the win, and avenged a regular season loss in a penalty shootout to the Terps back in September. Neither team could get anything going in regulation, although the Cavaliers had a goal inexplicably called back. Goalie Lauren Hausheer faced 17 shots and registered two saves in the shutout.

Second year Annie McDonough deflected in the game-winning goal 5:28 into the overtime period, her third goal of the season. The goal came off of a penalty corner, and the Terps blocked the first attempt. Rachel Robinson corralled the rebound and ripped a shot towards the cage. McDonough was in the right place at the right time, and the Hoos sprinted in from the sidelines to celebrate.

“It’s like the best day of my life. I couldn’t have asked for anything else,” McDonough said after the game. “It was amazing.”

Next up, Virginia will have to face Princeton in the semifinals on Friday, November 22. The Tigers have eliminated the Cavaliers in their last three NCAA tournament appearances, so Virginia will have a chance to conquer some demons. On the other side of the bracket, North Carolina and Boston College will duke it out for a spot in the finals. The ACC has been dominant all season, but three conference teams in the Final Four is an impressive feat.

Game start time will be announced at a later date.