Gophers score three times in a nine-minute second-half surge as Terrapins drop to 0-6 in conference play
Maryland (3-8-1, 0-6 Big Ten) stayed within striking distance through the opening 45 minutes behind goalkeeper Faith Luckey, who made six first-half saves. But Minnesota (7-3-2, 3-2-1) took control shortly after halftime and remained unbeaten at home this season.
The Gophers outshot the Terrapins 23-9 in the 10th all-time meeting between the programs.
Matigann Vixayvong opened the scoring in the 24th minute, beating Maryland for the only goal of the first half.
The Terrapins generated chances of their own. Mckinley Heaven forced a Minnesota save in the 20th minute, and Peyton Bernard followed with a shot on goal five minutes later.
Luckey helped keep Maryland close, making three saves late in the opening half to send the Terrapins into halftime trailing 1-0.
Westlund doubled the Gophers' advantage in the 49th minute and struck again six minutes later for a 3-0 lead. Katelyn Rigg added Minnesota's fourth goal in the 58th minute, completing a three-goal burst in nine minutes.
Meredith Fisher took over in goal for Maryland in the second half and recorded two saves, stopping Minnesota attempts in the 77th and 84th minutes.
Ellie Egeland produced Maryland's final opportunity with a shot on goal in the closing seconds, but Minnesota preserved the shutout.
