CMU loses 2-0 against Kent State in MAC opener
The Central Michigan women's field hockey team dropped its third consecutive game Friday, losing 2-0 against Kent State in its Mid-American Conference opener at the CMU Field Hockey Complex.
KSU outplayed the Chippewas for much of the first half, dominating position time and out shooting the home team 10-3. CMU rallied back toward the end of the half, creating a few scoring chances, but could not put the ball in the net, taking a 0-0 score to halftime.
"The team felt really good after the first half," said junior forward Paulina Lee, who lead the team with two shots on goal. "If we stepped up and played our game we could (have) won. Kent State is a good team and we were playing really strong against them."
Both teams went back and forth to start the second half. Junior goaltender Anastasia Netto, who had nine saves on the game, helped keep CMU within striking distance for much of the game.
"She played excellent," said assistant coach Kim Kincella. "Natto came up with some really important point-blank saves today."
Even with the stellar performance by Natto, Kent State’s Rachel Miller scored the first goal 17:55 into the half. Then, 20 minutes later, the Golden Flashes scored again on an unassisted Carla Johl goal.
The Chippewas tried to come back and had a few good scoring opportunities off penalty corners late in the game, but could not capitalize and score as time ran out.
"We did a good job holding them off the scoreboard with the amount of goals they scored in their last games," Kincella said. "I was pleased with how the offense and defense played, we just need to get more corners and shots on goal."
KSU outshot the Chippewas 18-5 and held a 15-4 edge on penalty corners for the game. Debbie Bell had a game-high eight shots and an assist for the Golden Flashes (6-5, 2-1 MAC).
CMU (2-7, 0-1 MAC) continues conference play at 11 a.m. Saturday against Ohio.
