Field hockey gains momentum for upcoming MAC tourney
The field hockey team closed out the regular season this weekend with a shutout victory on the road.
CMU’s 3-0 win against Kent State on Saturday in Kent, Ohio, secured a tie for second place in the Mid-American Conference with Miami and Ball State.
The Chippewas (11-9 overall, 6-4 MAC) scored in the 16th minute on a goal by sophomore Samantha Sandham to take a 1-0 lead.
Kent State dropped to 6-14 overall and 3-7 in the MAC.
“It’s always exciting to score goals,” Sandham said. “We had a lot of opportunities and were able to take advantage of them.”
The team had a lot of opportunities in the second half.
Sophomore forward Kelly Jordan slipped a pass to Sandham, who put in her second goal of the match.
Sandham’s two goals gave her a MAC-leading 14 goals. She has 35 points this season.
Sophomore midfielder Amanda Lucik added Central’s third goal of the day with seven minutes remaining in regulation.
Weekend recap
Friday: Ohio 3, CMU 1
Saturday: CMU 3, Kent State 0
Samantha Sandham (So.): Three total goals
“I think everybody played well and stepped up,” said coach Cristy Freese. “This was a big confidence booster for us.”
CMU dominated the Golden Flashes, outshooting them 24-4. It also had nine penalty corners to just one for Kent State.
Senior goalkeeper Danielle Frank credited the defense for keeping Kent State out of the circle and middle of the field.
“We did a good job of playing the ball to the outsides,” she said.
The Chippewas lost 3-1 to Ohio on Friday. The Bobcats (11-2, 8-2 MAC) clinched the regular season MAC Championship and the No. 1 seed in the MAC tournament with the win.
Sandham struck first with a goal at the 48:44 mark to give Central the early lead. Ohio came right back to score a goal just one minute later.
The game remained tied until Ohio’s Marcy Dull scored on an assist of Torrie Albini at the 56:57 mark.
“We didn’t respond well after giving up that goal to trail 2-1,” Freese said.
OU had a late goal to seal the win.
CMU plays in the MAC tournament Thursday in Athens, Ohio.
