Oct. 31, 2009

Final Stats

KENT, Ohio - Miami field hockey opened the last weekend of conference play today with a win over fellow first place contender and heated rival Kent State. Miami and Kent State are now tied with 7-2-0 Mid-American Conference records, while the RedHawks improve to 11-8-0 overall and the Golden Flashes drop to 11-7-0.

While the last meeting between the two ended with Kent State coming out on top, Miami came ready to fight today with the MAC regular season title on the line. The two rivals, who came in just one game apart in conference play, set the tone early for the battle that would last through all 70 minutes. Despite tough, aggressive play by both ends, neither was able to score for the first 20 minutes of the match.

Finally breaking the deadlock was Miami senior midfielder Maggie Marcum at 20:21. Marcum found the net from six yards out on the right side through heavy traffic off a pass from fellow senior, forward Mary Hull. The RedHawk defense was able to shutout the Golden Flashes through the first half, allowing no shots or shots on goal.

"Amanda Seeley and Katie Brightwell were outstanding for us today," said Head Coach Jill Reeve of Miami's defensive success. "They controlled the backfield and intercepted a lot of Kent State attacksââ'¬Â¦ they executed amazingly for us."

With the momentum in its favor, Miami opened the second half with the same ferocity, not allowing Kent a shot until 46:35 into the game. The RedHawks could not hold out forever, however, as Golden Flash and current team star Debbie Bell capitalized on a penalty corner with an assist from Rachel Miller at 54:26. That goal marked Bell's 23rd for the season.

Miami would not stay quiet for long, and, returned to the offensive, quickly scoreing what would be its second and final goal in the match at 59:50 off of a penalty corner. Katie Brightwell was credited with the RedHawk goal for her sixth of the season, and was assisted by Christine Brightwell. Despite four additional Kent State shots, goalkeeper Kelsey Dean and the Miami defense held strong, recording the important victory. "

This was certainly huge for us," said Reeve of the win. "We came out in the first half and made it as perfect as you can make it. The team was solid and concentrated. In the second half Kent State started picking up its game but we managed well. We had a lot of chances, but we executed a corner for the lead and it was extremely well done. I'm very proud."

The RedHawks now head to Athens, Ohio to take on the Ohio University Bobcats who are also still in position to vie for the title. Action will begin at 1 p.m.