CMU field hockey wins the first home game of the season
Central Michigan University sophomore midfielder Mora Rulli scores a goal in the second half of the field hockey game at Cristy Freese Field, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. Rulli scored a total of four goals with one assist against Mercyhurst. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
The sound of balls hitting the back post of the goal filled the Cristy Freese Field as the Central Michigan University field hockey team won against Mercyhurst University, in the biggest win since 1977 according to CMU Athletics.
CMU dominated the Lakers, 9-0, moving to 1-5 on the season.
This was the team's first home game of the season, coming off a four game losing streak. The team debuted their new head coach, Kelly Terwilliger, alongside them.
"We talk about Dawg mentality, like 'D-A-W-G-S,' so it's just a go, go, go type of play," she said about what she wants to instill in her team. "I'm big into pressing we want to be putting that pressure on our opponents."
Sophomore midfielder Mora Rulli was a leader in goals for the home opener, as she put four goals on the board for the Chippewas. Following the game, Rulli continued her point lead for the entire season, now marking 13 total points.
Senior midfielder Annabelle Cotroneo and senior forward Cameron Pluciennik, both followed the point lead with two goals each.
"We were really connecting with each other, I thought we weren't selfish," Rulli said. "We didn't want to score for ourselves, a lot of place we created was passing and moving through the backfield."
The Chippewas had 42 shots during the game, 24 of which were on goal.
As Rulli received a pass from junior forward Carolena Ryon, with less than 15 minutes left in the game, Rulli passed the ball over her side and slid it pass the Mercyhurst goalkeeper.
Central Michigan held control of the ball throughout the first half of the quarter, not allowing a single shot to be hit by the Lakers offense.
"For us, we didn't feel like we were on a losing streak because the hockey was so good, and that's something, like, they just needed to put together and get on the scoreboard," Terwilliger said about her message to her team going into the game.
This game was the third time the two teams have played against each other in field hockey, the prior two games were won by the Chippewas as well.
CMU junior goalkeeper Jenna Billig allowed no goals during the game, while being faced with only one shot on goal.
"I feel like we're really motivated right now, so hopefully we can keep that this win, and like, have that to motivate us and do it again on Sunday," Rulli said.
Central Michigan will play again at home on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. against Saint Louis.
