COLUMN: Field hockey has advantage in pivotal weekend for MAC race
Field hockey is in position for a late season push for the Mid-American Conference title and the No. 1 seed in the much-anticipated MAC tournament.
CMU has bounced back from a six-game losing streak by winning two games in a row, one of which being MAC rival Ball State. The late season push has moved the Chippewas into second place, stuck in a three-way tie with Ohio and Miami (Ohio).
A key component of the CMU bounce-back is Cayleigh Immelman, scoring two goals, one of which to beat Ball State. Another key component is Kaysie Gregory. Gregory scored an overtime winner and an assist for a game-winning goal to Immelman.
The No. 1 seed Miami (Ohio) took ahold of the trophy in 2012 and proved that seeds do matter. No. 1 seed right now as it stands is Kent State, but the Golden Flashes have to face off against the two other teams tied in second place: Miami (Ohio) and Ohio.
Every match matters in the MAC and every play could impact the Chippewas chances to the MAC title and to the No. 1 seed in the tournament on Friday, Nov. 8.
CMU is defending a home-unbeaten streak this weekend against Missouri State on Saturday and No.13 Northwestern on Sunday. The three-way second place knot will be broken this weekend, and the Chippewas have the advantage, taking on the last place team in the MAC.
