Missouri State lambasted, CMU musters 18 shots to MSU’s one
The Chippewas dominated Missouri State 4-0 in the opening game of the Mid-American Conference Field Hockey Tournament Thursday at the CMU Field Hockey Complex.
CMU advances to play regular season MAC champion Kent State today at noon.
Junior forward Alicia Balanesi led the team with two goals, both coming in the second half.
“We went in with a mind like we knew we had to win, but we didn’t act like it,” she said. “We were very relaxed, very comfortable and we played together as a team.”
CMU’s defense limited the Bears to two penalty corners and one shot on goal. Coach Cristy Freese credited backs Kim Ferris, Laura Glaza and Jessyca Doan, midfielder Erin Dottery and goalkeeper Danielle Frank for CMU’s stifling defense.
“That core of defenders really played a great game,” she said.
The Chippewas were aggressive throughout the game, totaling 18 shots and 18 penalty corners.
Up Next
- CMU plays Kent State at noon at the CMU Field Hockey Complex today
- Miami plays Ohio at 2:30 p.m. in the other semifinal matchup
Senior forward Alisa Folk scored nine minutes into the game when she deflected a shot from senior midfielder Erica Takach on a penalty corner.
That was all CMU could manage in the first half as Missouri State goalkeeper Kim Kinsella made 10 saves.
In the second half, Glaza scored on a penalty stroke for the second consecutive game to make it 2-0.
Freshman midfielder Amanda Lucik found Balanesi on a breakaway for a 3-0 lead and Balanesi tallied her second goal four minutes later off a deflection. Freshman Samantha Sandham and sophomore Allyson Doan garnered assists.
“I really thought Alicia could get some goals today,” Freese said. “We tried to get her a little more aggressive in the second half and it paid off.”
Freese was pleased with her team’s effort and knows it must continue against top-seeded Kent State.
“We had a little nerves at first,” she said. “I was pleased with the effort both offensively and defensively.”
