Terrapins Kick Off the Season with a 3-0 Victory
The Maryland Terrapins began their season with an impressive 3-0 win over Lehigh at Ludwig Field. This victory marked the ninth consecutive year that the Terps have won their opening match.
A Stellar Performance by Ava Morales
Ava Morales shone brightly, scoring two goals and leading her team to victory. Coach Michael Marchiano celebrated the win, noting it marked their largest margin of victory in a season opener since 2021.
Faith Luckey, a redshirt sophomore, made her first collegiate start as the goalkeeper. She had a solid game, saving three shots and securing her first career shutout.
Goals of the Game
Kelsey Smith, one of the team captains for 2025, scored the season’s first goal in the 20th minute. She skillfully evaded defenders to net the ball. Just two minutes later, Morales netted her first goal with assists from Alyssa Abramson and Ella Bulava.
Morales added another goal right before halftime, contributing to a commanding 3-0 lead going into the break.
Insights from the Coach and Players
Coach Marchiano expressed his happiness with the result. “You never know what to expect in the first game, but we found several positives to feel good about,” he said. He also highlighted Smith’s agility and Morales’s improvement in long-range shooting.
Morales echoed his sentiments, saying, “This win is huge. It should build our confidence moving forward.” Both she and Smith, who have played together since childhood, found meaning in scoring during their last home opener.
Luckey’s debut did not go unnoticed. Morales praised her, saying, “Faith is a leader on this team and did a fantastic job in goal.”
Season Opener Statistics
The victory is noteworthy for several reasons:
- The Terrapins have been unbeatable in their last nine season openers.
- Since 1995, they hold a 22-4-5 record in opening games.
- The team has recorded 23 shutouts in season openers, with three in the past four years.
Looking Ahead
The Terps will play their next match against Saint Francis on August 17 at 5 PM, continuing their hopeful start to the season. With a strong lineup and the momentum from this game, they aim to keep the winning streak alive.
Fun Fact
Maryland not only holds a remarkable record in season openers but has also shown impressive performance metrics—utilizing 19 different players in this game, reflecting their depth on the roster.
For more details about the Maryland Terrapins, check the official site.
