Field Hockey shatters losing streak with win against Appalachian State
After recognizing the four Central Michigan seniors before the start of the game, the Chippewas high intensity led them to a 2-1 win over Appalachian State on Saturday.
The Chippewas end their season at 4-13 overall and 1-6 in the Mid-American Conference. The Mountaineers are now 7-8 overall and remain 3-4 in the MAC.
“It’s tough when you are not playing to go on and move further, so we played for the seniors today,” said head coach Catherine Ostoich. “We talk a lot about that, playing for each other. It’s harder said than done so I think it was pretty awesome today.”
How It Happened
Chippewas junior midfielder Lauren Buffington fired the ball into the net off a penalty corner early in the first half, scoring first in the game. The Mountaineers responded quickly to CMU's intensity when ASU midfielder Brenna Schoenbachler scored on a penalty corner to tie the game 1-1.
The Chippewas took the lead back early in the second quarter as junior midfielder Rachel Ruttenberg forced ASU junior goalkeeper Addie Clark away from the goal, giving sophomore forward Kate Biglin a small window to fire it past Clark and a 2-1 lead.
The second half was all about keeping the Mountaineers in check and off the scoreboard. The CMU defense applied suffocating pressure on ASU in the final two periods.
With five minutes to play and the clock ticking, the Mountaineers pulled their goalie in hopes of creating a tie. Although the Chippewas had an empty net to score in, the ASU defense was also putting the pressure on by stopping two of the Chippewas penalty corners. With the efforts to stop the Chippewas from expanding their lead the Mountaineers ran out of time for a CMU win.
Key Performers
Buffington led the day for the Chippewas with four shots and one goal. Junior midfielder Alice O’Hagan had 2 shots and one assist. CMU goaltender Katie Maxim faced eight shots and had five saves.
Key Stats
The Chippewas had nine shots against the Mountaineers eight. CMU had five corners and ASU had four. Both teams first goals were made by penalty corners.
