THREE'S COMPANY

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – As the final seconds ticked away in yesterday's ACC Championship, the Terrapin field hockey team's excitement was evident.

Players jumped up and down on the sideline as they peaked up at the scoreboard, while fans who made the lengthy trip to Winston-Salem, N.C., counted down the time.

When they could finally yell "Zero!" players stormed the field, encircling the team's three seniors — Amanda Himmelheber, Alicia Morawski and Katie O'Donnell.

Kool & The Gang's "Celebration" blared over the stadium's loudspeakers after the Terps' 5-2 victory over defending national champion North Carolina, and players, one by one, accepted championship plaques from ACC officials recognizing a third straight ACC title and ninth overall.

The victory did more than just add to the past. In ensuring the Terps (19-1) will be named the No. 1 seed in next week's NCAA Tournament, the title gave the team the inside track to yet another national championship.

"Every player on Maryland's team played like champions," coach Missy Meharg said. "These players did exactly what the coaching staff asked. ... We're just so excited to take home this championship from a great Carolina team."

The Terps got the action started early, scoring a goal in the game's third minute. After forcing a turnover, O'Donnell sent a cross-crease pass to defender Jemma Buckley. The Australia native wasted no time in tipping the pass into the back corner of the goal, giving the Terps an early advantage.

Buckley was again strong for the Terps, notching the team's first, second and fifth tallies.

"I think everybody stepped it up today," Buckley said. "We all went out there wanting to win. I just finished the opportunities."

North Carolina (19-2) came into the contest boasting the nation's best defense, allowing just 0.77 goals per game before yesterday's championship. The Tar Heels hadn't allowed more than three goals all season, and only the Terps had scored three times against them.

"Would I expect to be able to score five goals on Carolina just statistically? No," Meharg said. "But I've seen some players on this team do some incredible things, and that was out there today."

Aiding the Terps' defensive effort was midfielder Megan Frazer, who once again had the job of covering All-ACC selection Kelsey Kolojejchick. The Tar Heel midfielder recorded only one point, an assist on North Carolina's first goal.

After leading 3-2 at halftime, the Terps came out in the second half looking to add a decisive goal. After a scoreless opening to the second frame, the Terps found it with the help of their dynamic attacking duo of O'Donnell, the tournament's Most Valuable Player, and speedy forward Jill Witmer.

In the 46th minute, Witmer stole the ball from a Tar Heel defender and sprinted down the right side of the field. North Carolina goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer attempted to stop the rush by coming out of the net and sliding toward Witmer.

But Witmer stopped on a dime and sent a pass to O'Donnell, who had a wide-open look at the cage. After finishing the play, O'Donnell and the Terps never looked back.

"That was a turning point in the game," North Carolina coach Karen Shelton said. "Those kind of goals hurt because it's somewhat of an embarrassment, and it was our miscues that led to an easy goal."

With the ACC Championship secured, the Terps can turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament. First-round action starts Nov. 13, and with just four more wins, the Terps can claim the program's seventh national title.

"The biggest thing right now is to celebrate," Meharg said. "This league is the best in the country. So we'll take this one today, and then we'll focus starting sometime next week on winning the national championship."

jengelke@umdbk.com