CMU field hockey drops nailbiter to Michigan State
On a cold and windy day, Central Michigan field hockey looked to defeat Michigan State and start its first winning streak of the year.
However, the Spartans edged out CMU 3-2 scoring a goal in the final period.
“I thought the team fought hard for four quarters," said head coach Jennifer Johnstone. "And I am proud of the way we competed today. We played at a high level the entire 60 minutes."
Wednesday, the Chippewas held their “Play4TheCure” game to help with breast cancer awareness and research.
Many of the girls on the team were wearing pink to show their support. All donations were going directly to The National Foundation for Cancer Research.
“The Play4TheCure game is important to our program and our athletes for those that have loved ones who have had cancer or who might currently be going through treatments," Johnstone said. "We hope our fans and families will support such a great cause."
The Chippewas started off the first period on fire as freshman forward Amelia Lane got two shots off, which led to a rebound goal by junior midfielder Kate Biglin.
The Spartans came back in the period and added some shots on goal of their own, but all of them were blocked by CMU defenders or saved by goalie Maja Halasz.
Within the first minute of the second period, Biglin looked to score her second goal of the game, however, her shot was saved by the Michigan State goalie.
After that, the Spartans managed to score back-to-back goals giving them a 2-1 lead going into the half.
Out of halftime, the Chippewas looked to come back to tie the game. Biglin capitalized and found the back of the cage again for her second goal.
Later in the period, Lane had a penalty corner, which led to shots by Alice O’Hagan, Biglin, and Havrilla however two of the shots were blocked and Havrilla’s shot hit the crossbar. Both teams were tied 2-2 going into the fourth period.
The Spartans scored early in the fourth to take a 3-2 lead and held on to it to win the game.
Michigan State outshot CMU 26-18 with the Spartans having 14 of those shots on goal compared to the Chippewas eight.
Halasz finished the game with a 78.6 save percentage allowing 3 goals and making 11 saves.
The Chippewas will look to bounce back Friday as they play the number one team in the Mid-American Conference in Miami (Ohio).
“We are excited to host Miami this Friday,” said Johnstone. "And as I have said before each game is an opportunity for our program to grow and develop. I have doubt we will be ready to fight."
