Kauffman leads CMU to MAC weekend sweep
Junior Amy Kauffman came off the bench for the first time in her career in a 4-1 field hockey home win against Miami Sunday.
Kauffman broke her finger in two places in a 1-0 home win against Louisville Friday, and had to go to the hospital for stitches.
“I don’t know if I saved a goal or anything, but I had my stick down and the girl went to hit the ball, and she hit my finger,” Kauffman said. “I came back because I don’t like to sit on the sideline.”
The weekend wins leave CMU at 4-3 in the MAC and 6-9 overall. Coach Cristy Freese said Kauffman’s toughness showed through Sunday.
“Amy is a tough person, and when we were at the hospital Friday, she just wanted to know if she could play (Sunday),” Freese said. “The doctor’s cleared her and she came out right away after Miami scored, and she did a good job firing up the team.”
Sophomore Erica Takach opened the scoring against Miami, with her third goal of the season. Senior Tarah Trottier added her ninth goal on a pass from sophomore Michele Fogle, making it 2-0.
“I thought we played well against Miami, but we can still play better,” Trottier said. “We executed well in the circle, and we finally played as a team.”
Miami’s Megan Wiegand scored off a penalty corner on a pass from Angie Snedden. The half ended at 2-1.
Freshman Alicia Balanesi added her third goal of the season 4:24 into the second half, with the assist going to senior Allison Foland. Freshman Erin Dottery scored her first collegiate goal on a pass from Trottier to close the scoring.
The Chippewas outshot the RedHawks 23-11, with junior Kristy Reed taking eight shots.
The Chippewas win against Louisville Friday snapped a six-game losing streak to the Cardinals. Sophomore Kim Ferris scored the game-winner at 47:56 of the second half. It was her first collegiate goal, and it was all CMU would need to win.
When Kauffman went out early in the first half, senior Jenny Rosen replaced her.
“Jenny came up big for us against Louisville,” Freese said. “That was what we needed, and that’s why our bench is so important.”
Freshman goalkeeper Danielle Frank made six saves to earn her first collegiate shutout.
With three games remaining, CMU is tied with Ball State and Louisville for second in the MAC.
The Chippewas are at Ohio Friday.
