Missouri State could post first MAC wins against CMU
This could be a weekend of firsts for the Missouri State field hockey team.
It is guaranteed one first, a Mid-American Conference game, but its other first, a win, may be hard to come by.
The Bears are 0-6 this season, while CMU is 3-3 and earned four votes in the STX/NFCHA top 20 poll this week.
Central hosts MSU, a new addition to the MAC, for a pair of games Saturday and Sunday.
“I didn’t even know they were winless,” said senior Erica Takach. “We don’t base our play off the other team, all we think about is how we need to play as a team on offense and defense.”
The Bears have been outscored by their opponents 18-4 this season and outshot 125-46.
CMU leads the MAC in almost every major offensive statistical category, while the Bears are at the bottom of the conference in those categories.
Central won the last meeting against the Bears 1-0 in 2002.
“They may look like a bad team on paper, but how a team plays on the field is what counts,” said CMU coach Cristy Freese. “ We are at home and have the opportunity for two MAC wins; this is a very important series.”
The Bears have had some success at goalkeeper, leading the MAC in saves. Bears goalie Kin Kinsch has 55 saves in four games. Kinsch splits time in goal with Jessica Schuster, who sports a MAC-high 1.39 goals against average.
Melissa Millan leads the team with three points.
CMU watched tapes of its previous performances as preparation.
“Practices went well this week and everyone worked really hard to get ready for this weekend,” Takach said. “We are ready for MAC play.”
