Penn field Hockey Faces Top-10 Test, American in Coach Tupper’s homecoming
COLLEGE PARK, MD. – The University of Pennsylvania field hockey team prepares for a challenging weekend, facing No. 10 Maryland on Friday and American University on Sunday. The Maryland game marks the return of Penn Head Coach Scott Tupper to college Park,where he served as an assistant coach for four seasons under Hall of Fame head coach Missy Meharg,helping the Terrapins to four NCAA tournament appearances.
Penn enters the weekend following a 4-2 victory over Old Dominion - their first program win against the Monarchs. The Quakers will be looking to continue their momentum against a tough Maryland squad that has won the last 11 matchups between the two teams. maryland (4-0) has conceded only five goals this season, four against ranked opponents, and is led offensively by freshman Jordyn Hollamon with three goals.
The Quakers (2-2) and Eagles will meet for the fourth time with american securing a 1-0 shutout victory in their last encounter in 2023. Penn has been held scoreless in two of the three previous matchups against american. The Eagles boast a balanced offense, with eight different players having scored at least once this season, led by senior Agustina Roffo’s three goals.
Individually, Penn senior Julia Ryan was nominated for Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week after scoring against both UNC and ODU. Junior Sydney Mandato received a nomination for ivy League Defensive Player of the Week after recording a career-high three assists against Old dominion and playing every minute of the first two games. Junior goalie Ruby de Frees has totaled 15 saves on the season,including a career-best 10 against UNC.
