Balanesi stars in weekend split
Junior Alicia Balanesi has already scored as many points in the first weekend of the season as she did all last year.
Balanesi scored seven points in the two games, and was named Mid-American Conference field hockey Offensive Player of the Week.
She garnered the honor scoring three goals and assisting on one in CMU’s split last weekend.
The Balanesi File
- Scored seven points in two games against Saint Louis and New Hampshire this weekend
- Her two goals tied her total goals scored in 2004
- Named MAC Offensive Player of the Week for her performance
“Alicia played great in St. Louis,” said coach Cristy Freese. “She made plays all weekend and kept us in both games. The team counts on the upperclassmen to contribute and she did.”
Balanesi entered 2005 having scored only two goals last season. She made quick work of tying that mark in the season’s first two games.
CMU started its weekend with a 3-2 loss to St. Louis Friday, but rebounded to beat New Hampshire 5-2 Saturday.
The Chippewas were behind early Saturday, before scoring three unanswered goals by senior Alisa Folk, freshman Samantha Sandham and Balanesi.
New Hampshire scored again, but CMU scored twice in the last 20 minutes to seal the win.
“We played a complete game, everyone worked really hard and contributed,” Freese said. “The offense was very impressive and the mid-fielders were solid. It was a big win and something the team needed after the way we played against St. Louis.”
Folk and Balanesi had two goals each and senior Erica Takach contributed with two assists against the Wildcats.
“It was nice to see the offense get going like we did,” Folk said. “Everyone fought hard the entire game and never let up. The defense made some big plays and we got a nice contribution from our underclassmen.”
Friday’s game was the exact opposite.
Central scored twice before allowing St. Louis to score three unanswered in the win.
“The defense broke down and we struggled at mid-field,” Freese said. “We played great in the first half, but once St. Louis scored its first goal they took momentum and outplayed us.”
