CMU field hockey doesn't disappoint
CMU students had a reason to storm the field for the second time in seven days.
But this time it was the field hockey team doing the heroics. No. 4 seed CMU won the Mid-American Conference Field Hockey Tournament Saturday with a 3-1 win against Miami at the CMU Field Hockey Complex. The Chippewas will play America East Conference champion Boston University in a play-in game Tuesday at Cambridge, Mass. at 1 p.m. for a bid to the NCAA Championships.
Freshman forward Kelly Jordan had her first career hat trick and junior goalkeeper Danielle Frank made four saves to lead CMU to its first MAC Tournament title since 1990.
"It really feels amazing because I didn't expect to score any," Jordan said. "Winning is amazing."
The Chippewas offense had nine shots on Miami senior goalkeeper Keri Orr, a first-team All-MAC selection. Jordan scored her first goal on CMU's first shot of the game at the 22:57 mark. Senior forward Alisa Folk had the assist.
Jordan struck again with nine minutes remaining in the half as she fired a long shot from just inside the circle past Orr. Miami sophomore Taylor Florence gave the RedHawks momentum going into the half, scoring off a penalty corner as time expired.
Jordan scored her third goal off a rebound with 17:46 remaining. Miami tried to rally, but CMU senior backs Laura Glaza and Kim Ferris made defensive saves to preserve the win.
"Kelly came up big today and that's what we expect from her every game now," CMU coach Cristy Freese said.
Miami coach Jill Reeve said CMU's aggressiveness was the difference.
"We came ready," she said. "Central Michigan decided they were going to go after it. They got two goals that were legitimate."
Freese said the win was huge for the Chippewas after some tough times during the regular season.
"It shows our perseverance and I think it shows our leadership out of our senior class," she said. "We've had some ups and downs."
CMU senior back Laura Glaza joined Folk, Frank and Jordan on the All-Tournament team.
