MAC’s top spot up for grabs
The field hockey team could be alone atop the Mid-American Conference standings with two wins this weekend.
It plays at Kent State today and Ohio Saturday.
If the Chippewas (6-5 overall, 3-1 MAC) beat winless Kent State Friday, they will play Ohio, which is 3-0 in the MAC, for a share of first place.
“We have two very important conference games and wins in those games will put us in first in the MAC and give us more respect nationally,” said junior Erin Dottery. “We just have to make sure to take it one game at a time.”
If Ohio loses to CMU Saturday, but beats Kent State Sunday, and Miami University wins its two games, there will be a three-way tie for first place.
The Chippewas will be alone on top of the MAC if they win both games, Miami losses one of its two games and Ohio losses both games.
One thing the team must overcome is its execution on faceoffs and closing out the game strong.
“Our team is so talented, we just have to learn to finish games,” said senior Erica Takach. “If we are going to be MAC champs we have to execute in the offensive circle and on penalty corners. Our poor execution late in games is putting us at risk.”
KSU is 0-11 and 0-2 in the MAC and have yet to score a goal in conference play. It is second in the MAC in shots with 155, but has been outscored 38-14.
“They are a very talented team that is going to come out and play tough,” Takach said. “KSU has nothing to lose right now and we have to remember that.”
Ohio is 5-6 overall this season.
Estienne Coetzoe leads the team with 14 points, which is second in the MAC. Ohio has four players in the top 10 in points scored this season.
CMU is confident going into the Ohio game, but knows it must stay focused.
“We have to make sure to always be talking when we are out there,” Dottery said. “If the defense can stay low and get some help from the offense, then we will be successful.”
The team currently leads the MAC in almost every major offensive statistical category. It has five of the 11 top scorers, including junior Alicia Balanesi whose 19 points and seven goals lead the MAC. Junior goalkeeper Danielle Frank tops the conference with a 2.12 goals against average.
