Miami University
Missouri State University
RedHawks Win Important Game in Overtime
10/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 24, 2010
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Playing on a FieldTurf style field for the first time this season, the Miami RedHawks upended Missouri State, 3-2, in overtime on Sunday. Christine Brightwell scored the game winner on a penalty stroke. Miami improves to 11-6 overall and 6-2 in the Mid-American Conference. The Bears fall to 5-11 and 2-6 in the MAC.
With the win, Miami keeps pace with Kent State in the battle for the regular season MAC crown. The Golden Flashes improved to 7-2 with an 8-1 win over Central Michigan on Sunday. They have one game remaining at Missouri State next Sunday. The RedHawks can clinch a share of their first conference crown in school history with wins in their two remaining games next weekend.
"It was a battle, but we found a way to win," said head coach Jill Reeve. "That was the objective today and (the team) followed through."
The RedHawks controlled play throughout the first half outshooting the Bears 7-4. Three of Missouri State's shots in the period came off of one penalty corner attempt, and were all kicked aside by Miami goalkeeper Sarah Mueller. Despite that, the Bears were able to strike first and score in the 28th minute to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half was even more in Miami's favor as it outshot MSU, 11-1. In the 42nd minute, Brightwell got the RedHawks on the board when she took an Amanda Seeley pass in the center of the circle and shot it past the Bears' goalkeeper. Seven minutes later, Mary Hull found Emily Gruesser in the middle of the circle, and the freshman scored from 10 yards out to give Miami its first lead of the match at 2-1. Missouri State responded with a goal in the 51st minute to retie the score and eventually send the game into overtime.
Playing seven-on-seven in the overtime period, Gruesser was able to earn a penalty stroke a little over a minute into the period when her shot into an unprotected goal hit the body of a Missouri State defender that was lying on the ground. Brightwell took the stroke and successfully converted it to give the RedHawks the win.
Brightwell led Miami with five shots, including four on goal. The RedHawks outshot Missouri State 19-5 for the game and had an incredible 17-2 advantage in penalty corners.
Miami will make its run for its first MAC Championship next weekend with two home matches. The RedHawks will host Ball State on Friday at 3 p.m. They will then welcome Central Michigan to the Field Hockey Complex for Senior Day on Saturday starting at 1 p.m.
