Pre-MAC performance earns recognition
The field hockey team gained national recognition Tuesday when it received four votes in the STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll.
CMU’s 3-3 overall record may not be impressive, but it boasts three impressive non-conference wins against New Hampshire, Virginia and Vermont.
Two of the Chippewas losses have been close defeats to Big Ten opponents No. 8 Michigan and Northwestern.
“It is nice to get recognition for our hard work,” said coach Cristy Freese. “This is something that everyone can be proud of and hopefully we will use it as a building block for the rest of the season.”
CMU has scored 15 goals in its first six games this season, compared to 10 last season. The Chippewas hope their new-found offense will lead the team to a better record than its 8-11 mark last season, a season in which the team scored only 30 goals.
“One of our goals before the season was to be consistent on offense,” said senior Erica Takach. “We have worked together on the offensive side of the ball this year and it has led to big production.”
CMU has shown its resiliency this season losing no match by more than two goals. The team has recorded two overtime wins, compared to last season when the team lost its only overtime game.
“The overtime wins were huge this season,” Takach said. “Our victories and the way we played showed we had the will to win. Our team must take that attitude and effort into conference play.”
The field hockey team leads the Mid-American Conference in almost every major offensive statistical category entering conference play this weekend.
“This year the team has performed better,” Freese said. “Everyone is playing tougher and working much harder. This is a good group of players who listen really well and want to work hard.”
CMU enters MAC play with three of the conference’s top five scorers. Junior Alicia Balanesi leads all scorers with 15 points, senior Alisa Folk is tied for third with eight and Takach fifth with seven.
Balanesi leads the MAC in goals scored with six and has scored in five of six games.
Takach leads the MAC in assists with five, which ties her career mark.
CMU has seen major contributions from freshmen in 2005. The freshmen have scored three goals and added five assists, compared to last season when they contributed two goals and two assists all season.
Junior goalkeeper Danielle Frank is second in the MAC with a 3.15 goals against average. Her .674 save percentage is third.
“Danielle has made some big plays this season and is playing very well,” Freese said. “She is more mobile and has quicker reflexes since coming off her injury last season, it is nice to have her healthy.”
