Climbing from last place
Coach Cristy Freese said Mid-American Conference field hockey teams are similar in talent and have different strengths.
Losses to Ball State (2-1) and Miami (1-0) last weekend have put CMU in last place in the MAC standings. Central is 0-2 in the conference and 5-5 overall.
Central hosts Ohio University at 3 p.m. today and Kent State at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Field Hockey Complex this weekend.
“It is a big weekend,” said senior forward Alicia Balanesi. “We’re not allowed to lose, we have to win.”
The Bobcats are the only undefeated team (3-0) left in Mid-American Conference play and are 6-5 overall.
“OU is going to be tough and they are playing tough defensively,” Freese said.
Weekend outlook
What: CMU vs. Ohio, 3 p.m. today; CMU vs. Kent State, 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: Field Hockey Complex
The Chippewas’ opponent doesn’t matter as much at this point in the season, Freese said. CMU just needs a win.
“Every weekend is a big weekend,” said sophomore forward Kelly Jordan. “You always got to take it one day at a time and try your hardest.”
Senior forward Alicia Balanesi said transferring the ball from the defense to the offense has been a point of emphasis in practice.
“We are building on our confidence,” Balanesi said. “We been working on either passing or shooting once you get in the circle.”
In order to pass better CMU must rely on teamwork.
“We have to play as a team and pass early,” Jordan said.
Kent State (4-8, 1-2 MAC) is led by Kate Perry, who has seven goals and five assists.
“Now that they have settled into MAC play, I think they are playing better,” Freese said. “They are starting to gel as a team.”
