Takach’s two goals lead CMU to 5-0 victory
Erica Takach has played in just two games this season, but has already scored half as many goals as she did in her first two seasons.
The junior netted her second and third goals of the season Saturday, leading the field hockey team to a 5-0 shutout of Stanford. The Chippewas now are 2-0.
Takach has become more involved in the offense, which now runs set plays to exploit her abilities. On penalty corners she is the direct shooter — meaning she gets the ball with the chance to score in front of the net.
“We have put her in a position to excel on the field,” said coach Cristy Freese. “She didn’t have plays ran specifically for her before, so that is why she is scoring more goals this season.”
The Chippewas took advantage of its shots on goal against the Cardinal. After only scoring on two shots last weekend, Central made good use of its scoring chances.
Central scored four goals in the second half to put the game out of reach.
Senior Kristy Reed and sophomore Alicia Balanesi scored their first goals of the season. Both were unassisted.
Freshman Allyson Doan also scored the first goal of her career in the second half.
Freese projected before the game the Cardinal defense was going to be very strong, and after Stanford beat a Iowa 5-1 Friday it seemed apparent. The Hawkeyes were ranked as high as No. 4 last season.
“Our offense was better than Stanford’s defense,” Freese said. “We were able to get the ball in the circle and get scoring chances.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Danielle Frank earned her second shutout in as many games. She made four saves.
“Her play in net is going to be a key for us to be successful this season,” Freese said. “Anytime you have a good goalkeeper you can contend for a championship.”
It was Frank’s fourth shutout of her career but she isn’t taking all of the credit for her performance.
“I haven’t really had to stop that many shots since the defense is playing so well,” she said. “My teammates trust me and I trust them.”
Frank said she concentrates on winning first and the shutouts take care of themselves.
“I always play like the score is 0-0,” she said.
