MIAMI MONDAY

11/8/2010 12:00:00 AM | General

Nov. 8, 2010

The seasons aren't just changing in nature, but for Miami Athletics as well. Three RedHawk teams started their 2010-11 schedules while a pair of seasons came to a close this weekend. It's also a big week ahead and it all starts with a Wednesday football game at Bowling Green that could get Miami bowl-eligible for the first time since 2004.

The football team enjoyed its first Saturday off in 10 weeks, but it was still a busy time around Yager Stadium. The 10-day span between contests gave the players and coaches three days to rest, but by the weekend it was business as usual. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. game on Wednesday for the nationally-televised contest (ESPN2). Click HERE for the game notes. During the week, true freshman Nick Harwell made news by earning MAC East Division Offensive Player of the Week honors.

The field hockey team advanced to the MAC Championship game for the second straight year, but suffered a heart-breaking 3-2 defeat to Kent State. In semifinal action on Friday, Kelsey Lund, Mary Hull and Kylie Landeros each scored a goal and Sarah Mueller made five saves in a 3-0 win over Ohio. The shutout was the third straight and eighth of the season for the freshman goalkeeper. (RECAP) The next day, Miami went up 2-1 on a breakaway goal by Emily Gruesser, but the Golden Flashes answered just 31 seconds later to even the game at two. With just under three minutes remaining, the RedHawks were whistled for a penalty and Kent State converted a rebound on the third shot attempt for the game-winner. (RECAP) The game marked the final appearance for seniors Hull, Kate Snyder and Christine Brightwell. Miami finished 14-7 on the campaign, earning a share of the MAC regular-season title for the first time in school history.

The soccer season also came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Central Michigan, the co-MAC Champions, Friday in the MAC Tournament semifinals. The Chippewas went up 1-0 in the 11th minute, but Miami answered nine minutes later on a goal by freshman Katy Dolesh. Jess Kodiak and Sarah Dessfelt were credited with the assists. CMU tallied the deciding goal in the 57th minute on a set piece from a throw-in. (RECAP) Miami's 13 wins in 2010 (13-7-2) marked its most since 2002 and are the fourth-most in program history. The RedHawks also captured the East Division title for the first time in just the second year of having divisions in MAC soccer. Friday's match was the final game for Miami's six seniors (Rachelle Boff, Jessica Byron, Rachel Byron, Brooke Livingston, Sara Lund and Julie Thompson). (RELEASE)

Volleyball (10-17, 5-9) split a pair of matches this week to cling to its hopes of hosting a MAC Tournament first-round match later this month. The RedHawks defeated Bowling Green 3-0 (27-25, 5-17, 25-21) on Senior Night Thursday. Michele Metzler and Colleen Loftus each had 10 kills for the RedHawks. (RECAP) (PHOTO GALLERY) On Saturday night, Miami dropped the first two sets, but saw a hard-fought comeback fall short at Western Michigan, 3-1 (19-25, 19-25, 25-23, 24-26). (RECAP)

No. 1 Hockey (5-2-3, 3-1-2-1 CCHA) took to the road for the first time in CCHA play this season but came back from Ferris State with just one point. Andy Miele continued his scoring streak with a pair of goals on Friday, but a second-period power play by the Bulldogs was the difference in a 3-2 loss. (RECAP) On Saturday, the RedHawks held a 37-19 advantage in shots, but had to settle for a 1-1 tie at Ewigleben Ice Arena. FSU earned the extra point by winning the five-round shootout. Pat Cannone put Miami up 1-0 in the first 10 minutes, but the Bulldogs answered early in the second. (RECAP) (WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS) Off the ice, the awards continue to come in for Miami. Reilly Smith became the fourth straight RedHawk to win CCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors (RELEASE), while Carter Camper was named RBC CCHA (RELEASE) and HCA National Player of the Month (RELEASE) awards. The RedHawks return home this weekend to face nationally-ranked Alaska on Friday and Saturday.

While the Synchronized Skating program is still a month away from its official schedule, all three teams showcased their competition programs at their Fall Exhibition Saturday night at Steve Cady Arena. (RELEASE) (PHOTO GALLERY)

Speaking of exhibitions, both basketball programs hit the court on Saturday for their first displays against outside competition. The women's team defeated Tiffin 83-50 behind five RedHawks in double figures. Maggie Boyer paced the team with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists. Rachael Hencke, Hannah Robertson and Kirsten Olowinski also tallied at least 10 points. The regular season tips off in earnest Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. with a home game against ninth-ranked Kentucky.

On the men's side, Nick Winbush led four RedHawks in double figures with 19 points and seven rebounds as Miami cruised past Ohio Northern 90-51. (RECAP) Season and single-game tickets are now on sale, including special rivalry and five-game mini packages. (RELEASE) The RedHawks host Towson Friday night at 6 p.m. in Millett Hall in the season opener. Congratulations for former RedHawk Kenny Hayes, who was selected by the Maine Red Claws in the second round of the 2010 NBA D-League Draft. (RELEASE)

In the pool, Megan Brunn won three individual events and was a member of the winning 200 medley relay to lead Miami's women's swimming team past Eastern Michigan, 193.5 to 95.5. Bekka Westrick took two events and swam on a pair of winning relay teams. (RECAP) (PHOTO GALLERY) Chris Gunnels won the 100- and 200-freestyle for the men's team, but an early deficit led to a 165-135 loss to Buffalo. (RECAP) (PHOTO GALLERY)

Both cross country teams return to action this week by competing in the Great Lakes Regional Championship in Rochester, Mich. on Saturday. The top team and individual finishers will earn invitations to the NCAA Championship later this month.

HawkTawk returns to its usual home, Brick Street, Thursday at 7 p.m. If you can't make it out to the show live, tune in to these Miami Sports Network Affiliates: WKBV, WPFB-FM, WMOH and WONE.

GO REDHAWKS!!