Courtesy: Kent State University Communications and Marketing Rachel Miller recorded her 100th career point in the game
Golden Flashes held without a shot in the first half KENT, Ohio —The Kent State field hockey team was topped by visiting Miami, 2-1 earlier today at Murphy-Mellis Field. The loss snapped a three game winning streak for the Golden Flashes (11-7; 7-2) and moved them into a tie atop the Mid-American Conference with the RedHawks (11-8;7-2) at 7-2.
Following a disastrous first half by Kent State, sophomore Debbie Bell (Hamilton, New Zealand / Waikato) put KSU on the board in the 55th minute. Out of a penalty corner situation, Bell tied the game at 1-1 when she ricocheted a shot off two Miami defenders for her 23rd goal of the year. Junior Rachel Miller (Bathurst, Australia / MacKillop College) assisted on the play, giving her 100 points for her career. Miller becomes the eighth player in school history to reach the 100 points plateau and also moved into a tied for fourth place all-time with 32 career assists.
Five minutes later, Miami would regain the lead for good on a penalty corner score by Katie Brightwell.
The RedHawks controlled nearly the entire first half, taking a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute when Maggie Marcum scored from six yards out on the right side. Kent State, which held a 10-9 advantage in shots taken after half time, was outshot 10-0 in the first half. Miami also held an 8-0 edge in penalty corner chances in the first 35 minutes. Things would even up in the second half with the Golden Flashes taking seven penalty corners to three for Miami, but KSU was unable to capitalize as the three game winning streak came to an end.
In goal, junior Caroline Suitch (Mountain Top, Pa. / Crestwood) had eight saves for KSU.
Both 7-2, Miami and Kent State are now tied for first in the MAC standings, a half a game ahead of Ohio (6-2), which plays later today against Ball State. The Golden Flashes can clinch at least a share of the regular season title and a first round bye in next week’s MAC Tournament with a win over Ball State tomorrow.
Tomorrow’s game will be the final regular season game for KSU. The program will honor its three seniors before the 1:00 pm contest.
Courtesy: Kent State University Communications and Marketing
