Field hockey crushed in Ann Arbor
What could have propelled the field hockey team to a dream season quickly turned into a nightmare.
Central was shut out 11-0 by No. 9 Michigan Friday in Ann Arbor and then could not regroup in a 6-1 loss to No. 8 Northeastern Saturday.
The Chippewas were outshot 42-2 against the Wolverines, with Michigan firing 27 shots on goal.
“Michigan executed some tough corner shots,” said coach Cristy Freese. “About half of their goals were scored after we made the initial save but we could not clear the ball.”
Central must now put the disappointment behind it, as conference play begins next weekend with games against Miami and Ohio at Michigan State.
Central, who was looking to gain momentum, drops to 2-2 on the season.
Freese said the team was getting the ball in Michigan territory but could not get any shots off in the first part of the game.
“We controlled the first 15 minutes of the game but did not make the necessary adjustments after,” Freese said. “They adjusted and we didn’t and that is the story of the game.”
Senior Jessica Blake scored four goals to lead the Wolverines while five others scored at least one goal.
Sophomore Danielle Frank and freshman Sarah Minces split time in net, combining for seven saves.
Mancuso made her first career start against Northeastern, who scored two quick goals before the Chippewas could find the back of the net.
Junior Erica Takach scored her fourth goal of the season to make the score 2-1, but Northeastern again went on the attack scoring four unanswered goals.
“Our weaknesses were exposed,” Freese said. “We have to do the things we are talking about quicker. We can’t be a step slow when we play top 10 teams.”
Mancuso made 11 saves in the loss.
CMU didn’t control the ball or capitalize on shots like they had the first two games of the season.
“I told the team we need to take advantage of the really good opportunities when we have them,” Freese said. “We had the opportunities, but failed to take advantage.”
