It was the Terrapins' fourth title and first since 1999. Maryland also collected its third shutout of the tournament and ninth on the year. It was just the second time Duke had been held scoreless all season. The Terrapins also blanked the Blue Devils October 8 in Durham.

Maryland went on the offensive early -- though the championship contest ended up being the lowest-scoring affair in tournament history -- by putting five shots on goal in the first 10 minutes of play. Senior Jackie Ciconte gave Maryland all the scoring it would need when she collected the ball after a shot by Duke, dribbled down the field and beat the Blue Devils' netminder Christy Morgan at the 8:34 mark of the first half. It was Ciconte's 20th goal of the season.

Maryland had the advantage in time of possession in the first half, then Duke controlled the clock in the second. But the Blue Devils were unable to convert against a strong Maryland defensive front that held Duke to just five shots all game.

It was the third title for Maryland coach Missy Meharg, who has been in charge of the program for 18 years. Said Meharg, "I'm thrilled for this team. These women have sacrificed and worked so hard all season to achieve their goals. This senior class showed so much leadership and heart, and I'm proud of these women for what they have accomplished."

Duke defeated Wake Forest, 3-2, in semifinal competition November 18 to advance to the title game. Duke, which was appearing in its third straight championship game, closed out the year with a record of 18-5. Maryland, which finished 23-2, downed Old Dominion, 3-2, in the other semifinal. The 23 wins are the most Maryland has compiled since 1999 and was one shy of tying the record for most victories in a season.

The all-tournament team consisted of Maryland's Ciconte, Emily Beach, Paula Infante, Lauren Powley and Tiffany Marsh, along with Nicole Dudek, Katie Grant and Laura Suchoski of Duke, Old Dominion's Janelle Engle, and Lauren Crandall of Wake Forest.

Semifinals

First half: WF -- Michelle Kasold (unassisted), 34:30.

Second half: D -- Katie Grant (Hilary Linton), 49:04; D -- Nicole Dudek (Grant), 56:54; D -- Dudek (Marian Dickinson, Grant), 58:00; WF -- Kelly Wood (Maeke Boreel, Jamie Whitten), 66:56.

Shots: Duke 4, Wake Forest 11. Goalkeeper saves: Duke (Christy Morgan) 6, Wake Forest (Kristina Gagliardi) 1. Penalty corners: Duke 4, Wake Forest 7.

First half: M -- Paula Infante (unassisted), 4:08.

Second half: OD -- Darcy Pinchbeck (unassisted), 36:25; M -- Janneke van Leeuwen (Infante), 43:43; M -- Jackie Ciconte (unassisted), 62:49; OD -- Janelle Engle (unassisted), 64:09.

Shots: Maryland 17, Old Dominion 6. Goalkeeper saves: Maryland (Kathryn Masson) 1, Old Dominion (Mary Cate Gordon) 7. Penalty corners: Maryland 8, Old Dominion 6.

Championship game

First half: M -- Jackie Ciconte (unassisted), 8:34.

Shots: Maryland 10, Duke 5. Goalkeeper saves: Maryland (Kathryn Masson) 0, Duke (Christy Morgan) 4. Penalty corners: Maryland 4, Duke 6.