CMU field hockey beats Saint Louis
Central Michigan University sophomore midfielder Teah Savignano scores a goal during the field hockey game at Cristy Freese Field, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. Savignano had two attempted shots with one goal against Saint Louis. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
Three minutes after halftime in the game between Central Michigan University and Saint Louis University field hockey, sophomore midfielder Teah Savignano received the pass from freshman defender AJ Walker.
Savignano turned the pass into her first goal of the season, and final goal for CMU during the game.
Central Michigan won against Saint Louis, 3-2 on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m on the Cristy Freese Field.
"I felt that they played connected, and to be able to hold the lead with a very passion Saint Louis team, is really, really key for us head coach Kelly Terwilliger said.
The three goals were completed by separate players for the Chippewas, whereas the Saint Louis goals were scored by only senior forward Sierra Larson.
Larson's first goal of the game was made during the third period, following one of team's five corners.
Central Michigan continuously moved the ball back-and-forth from defense to offense throughout the entire game.
"We talk a lot about just this ball support, you know, like it's just not only just, like, being involved in your defensive play and then staying," Terwilliger said. "We get everybody involved on the ball and making leads for each other and just being connected."
CMU junior forward Carolena Ryon received a pass and shot the ball straight into the goal, to get the first point on the board for the Chippewas quickly after the end of first quarter.
The Central Michigan offense had 11 shots in total during the game, seven of which were on goal. The defense allowed only five shots with two on goal.
Senior defender Hailey Bainer was a key player for CMU, playing 351 total minutes this season. She follows behind only junior goalkeeper Jenna Billig in minutes played.
"We wanted to move her [Bainer] into the midfield, but we just felt really protected back there with her," Coach Terwilliger said about Bainer's performance in the game. "So, we kept her, you know, as that center back. She controls a lot for us, not only defensively, but for our attack."
This week's home game honored Central Michigan's hometown heroes, in which CMU Athletics had the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) present the colors. The game was to show support for community firefighters.
The Central Michigan University Reserve Officer Training Corps present the colors during the field hockey game at Cristy Freese Field, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. The game against Saint Louis was the hometown heroes game where they recognized community firefighters. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
The Chippewas will go on the road again next week to Ohio to start Mid-American Conference play against Kent State on Friday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m.
