Billig leads CMU field hockey to conference victory
The Central Michigan University field hockey team gathers around their coach in between the third and fourth quarter while playing Ball State University at Cristy Freese Field on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. (CM Life | Trevor Sparks)
Almost two minutes into the second period, Ball State field hockey lined up to attempt its first penalty corner of the game. Lauren Lewis’ shot hit loudly off the goal post, but Central Michigan University junior goalkeeper Jenna Billig was in position for the save regardless.
Billig finished with four saves in the game, keeping the Cardinals off the scoreboard. CMU was victorious, and each save from Billig was crucial, as the Chippewas narrowly won 1-0.
“Jenna was a rockstar today,” head coach Kelly Terwilliger said.
Billig surrendered five goals in Sunday’s defeat against Michigan, but bounced back against Ball State.
“For me there were just little adjustments I knew that I needed to make personally, and I really honed into my weaknesses this week,” Billig said. “I was hyper-aware of those weaknesses coming into this game.”
Both Terwilliger, who earned her first Mid-American Conference win as a head coach, and Billig credit the energy from players on the sideline and in the game for helping them to victory.
“For me, the whole team is involved in this win,” Terwilliger said. “Our sideline energy brought it. We didn’t do a lot of interchanging, so they needed that belief on the sideline in their own teammates.”
“I know what I have to do, and if I’m confident, everyone else is,” Billig said. “I think just keeping the energy high back there is how we’re successful. I just keep a level head and lots of hype in the locker room, and that gets me going.”
The only goal of the contest came in the first quarter. CMU got in place for a corner, and Annabelle Cotroneo passed it over to Teah Savignano. The sophomore got it to Carolena Ryon, who powered in her fourth goal of the season.
The Chippewas attempted five shots the rest of the game but were turned away by the Cardinals each time. Nonetheless, Terwilliger was pleased with CMU’s improvements from Sunday.
“We connected a lot more with each other, and we moved together,” Terwilliger said. “I think some of this group needs to, and what we’ve been working on this season, is to believe in their play. Getting something on the scoreboard gives a kind of validation that their hockey is good.”
On Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m., CMU will face undefeated Massachusetts, ranked No. 4 in this week’s coaches' poll. The Chippewas have not beaten a ranked team since the 2021 season, but they are looking forward to the opportunity to play a top-ranked team in the country.
“We have a strong spirit right now,” Billig said. “Going up against them, I think right now is the best time to do it, and we’re fired up.”
