CMU field hockey comes up short against No. 4 UMass
Central Michigan University freshman AJ Walker fights an opposing player for the ball amid a matchup against the University of Massachusetts held at Cristy Freese Field on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (CM Life | Cristin Coppess)
Through two quarters of play, Central Michigan field hockey held No. 4 Massachussetts scoreless, allowing only one shot on goal in the first half.
That was until Minutewomen defender Chiara Curcio scored her second goal of the season to give UMass a 1-0 lead early in the third quarter.
CMU was never able to respond and two goals in the final 10 minutes of the fourth quarter pushed the game out of reach for the Chippewas, who fell 3-0.
CMU falls to 3-8 on the season and 1-2 in Mid-American Conference play.
The game got off to a slow start offensively, with only one shot on goal between the two teams in the first half, resulting in a save for CMU goalkeeper Jenna Billig.
UMass, which ranks first in the MAC in shots per game, was held to seven against a CMU defense who limited the Minutewomen's time of possession.
However, the Chippewa offense could not get into a rhythm, tallying one shot with zero on goal by the game's conclusion.
UMass extended its shutout streak to five straight games of holding teams scoreless, dating back to Sept. 13.
The Minutewomen's offense clicked in the second half, taking four shots in the third quarter before a goal from midfielder Neva Eisenga made the score 2-0 early in the fourth quarter.
Shortly after, forward Emily Barrett also found a goal, making the score 3-0 with six minutes remaining in the game to push the game out of reach for the Chippewas.
Despite the defeat, Billig registered three saves over the course of the first three quarters, allowing the Chippewas to play a one-score game until the fourth quarter.
While the defense was able to hold strong for CMU, UMass outshot Central Michigan 7-1 on the day, also holding a 6-0 advantage in shots on goal.
Central Michigan field hockey returns Friday, Oct. 2 at 3 p.m. to take on the Ohio Bobcats in Athens.
