Optimism abound for Balanesi
Senior forward Alicia Balanesi said she never has been more confident of a team than this season’s field hockey team.
The Chippewas’ ability to overcome nearly any deficit has added to Balanesi’s confidence.
Central trailed Michigan State 3-0 on Tuesday, but kept fighting to score three goals in a 5-3 loss.
“When we get scored on, we don’t let it get us down,” Balanesi said. “Losing isn’t an option. This is the first year that we really have that mentality.”
Central (5-3) will have its mental toughness challenged when it starts Mid-American Conference play today at Ball State. It also plays Saturday at Miami.
Weekend outlook
What: CMU at Ball State, CMU at Miami
When: Today, 3 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m.
Team Record: 5-3 overall
The Cardinals are 1-9 overall and 0-2 in MAC play. They lost to Ohio and Kent State last weekend.
“This now officially is the new year as you start Mid-American Conference play,” said coach Cristy Freese. “We got to start off strong and start out well.”
Freese said the Cardinals will be confident after beating CMU 6-0 last season, even though they have just one win this year.
Miami (4-6, 1-1 MAC) has one the top offenses in the MAC. The Red Hawks lead the MAC in goals (28) and average of 2.8 goals per game.
“Miami feels they can contend for the MAC Championship this year and I think they can too,” Freese said. “They are a dangerous offensive team.”
“Everything is intensified in conference play, and they got to experience that and we didn’t,” she said.
The Chippewas face the Cardinals at 3 p.m. today and the RedHawks at 1 p.m. Saturday.
