PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team faces a big test in College Park on Wednesday, facing off against the University of Maryland in a standalone contest scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
The Hawks enter the matchup at 6-15 on the season, having dropped their last four contests. The Terrapins hold a 22-8 record in the campaign but have dropped their last three games to open Big Ten play.
"The ladies are excited and ready for tomorrow," Hawks coach Karla Ross said. "We have not had the opportunity to play Maryland since I have been here."
Checking on the Hawks
The Hawks dropped both games they played down in Cary, North Carolina over the weekend before rain halted Sunday's contest in the fifth.
UMES swung the bat well in game one of the series, a 7-6 defeat to the Eagles. Four different Hawks had multi-hit days and the team combined for 10 knocks in the game.
Jaycee Holt had a strong road trip, picking up three base knocks and scoring three runs with one RBI in the two contests. Nola Mountain and Ameenah Ballenger also recorded three hits on Saturday (March 25), while the latter also scored and drove in a run.
Shanya Roberts broke out in the conference matchup, being the fourth Hawk to earn multiple hits in the first of two on Saturday. The freshman also scored in the contest as well.
Tackling the Terps
Wednesday's contest will serve as the Hawks first meeting with Maryland under head coach Karla Ross, and the first matchup between the schools since 2005.
The Terps are off to their best start since the 2008 season, picking up notable wins against Oregon and Oklahoma State thus far.
Maryland has dialed up the long ball in 2023. With 21 home runs this season, the Terps have already surpassed their total from a year ago (17).
The Hawk pitchers will have their hands full with the Maryland offense. Junior outfielder Jaeda McFarland leads the team carrying a .394/.416/.628 line this season and the Terps have five players batting .300 or higher.
Courtney Wyche has shouldered the biggest workload for the Terps in the circle, holding a 3.23 ERA over 78.0 innings pitched. Trinity Schlotterbeck ranks second but boasts a 2.62 ERA in her 66.2 frames of work.
Freshman pitcher Keira Bucher has locked down late leads as well, currently leading the nation with nine saves. One more would tie the Big Ten record (10).
"These games are meant to test us and challenge us," Ross said. "I know the ladies are ready for that challenge."
Wednesday's matchup is available for subscribers to stream on B1G+. To subscribe or login and watch, visit https://www.bigtenplus.com/en-int/playerpage/1585336.
