KSU inches near title with victory
KENT, OHIO — A chance to repeat as MAC regular season champions may have slipped through the field hockey team’s fingers in its 2-1 loss Saturday at Kent State.
The Chippewas had the opportunity to win the MAC regular season title if they could have won against the Golden Flashes Saturday and Ball State Friday.
“We knew that everything was back in our own hands and that we controlled our destiny,” said coach Cristy Freese. “All we had to do is keep winning, but it is always tough with Kent State, and we hope we get to play them again.”
Kent State scored eight minutes into the game on a goal by freshman Kate Perry. Junior Kristy Reed scored on a penalty stroke with less than three minutes remaining in the half to tie the game. It was Reed’s team-high 11th goal of the season.
Ten seconds later, freshman Berber Rischen took the ball downfield past the CMU defense and tipped it in for the game-winner.
“I thought we played well, and I think we always have good matches with Kent,” Freese said. “It is a little disheartening when we scored and then the Kent player came right down and scored.”
| Team | Record | |
|---|---|---|
| W | L | |
| Kent State | 6 | 2 |
| Louisville | 5 | 3 |
| Central Mich. | 5 | 4 |
| Ball State | 5 | 4 |
| Ohio | 4 | 4 |
| Miami | 0 | 8 |
Remaining games
Kent State: at Miami, Louisville
Louisivlle: Ohio, at Kent State
Central: Ball State
Ball State: Central
Ohio: at Louisville, Miami
Miami: Kent State, at Ohio
The Chippewas are 7-10 overall and 5-4 in the MAC after a 3-1 win at Ohio Friday. Kent State improved to 6-2 overall and needs a win against either Miami or Louisville to clinch the MAC regular season title.
It was CMU’s fourth consecutive loss against KSU. The Golden Flashes outshot CMU 14-10.
“We did a better job of making tackles in the second half,” Freese said. “Our penalty corner defense was excellent, we just need to score a few more goals.”
Senior co-captain Tarah Trottier said CMU played well.
“We pressured the ball a lot when they had the ball,” Trottier said. “As far as getting the ball up field, I thought we did a better job in the second half.”
Kent State’s defense limited scoring chances for CMU.
“We didn’t have that many opportunities,” Trottier said. “We had to make the most of what we had, and that is what we need to work on.”
CMU got off to another slow start at Ohio as Elizabeth Holtzman gave the Bobcats the early lead. The Chippewas were outshot 12-1 in the first half.
In the 47th minute, Michelle Fogle tied the game. Reed then scored the eventual game-winner and sophomore Erica Takach scored an insurance goal to close the scoring. Freshman goalkeeper Danielle Frank made 11 saves.
“We were pumped after the game against Ohio,” Freese said. “I did not think we played very well against Ohio, and the last three times we have played them has been the same. We have played poorly in the first half, Ohio gets a one goal lead and all they have to do is get another goal to put us away, but they don’t do it.”
Freese said KSU’s defense is much different than Ohio’s.
“Kent State’s defense is a lot better,” she said. “I think they have a little bit more of a veteran team and that gave us some problems.”
With the regular season winding down, teams are battling for position. The Chippewas are tied with Ball State for third place, behind 5-3 Louisville. The top two teams advance to the semifinals of the tournament, which provides an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The Chippewas close the regular season Friday at home against Ball State.
