Sept. 26, 2010
Final Stats
KENT, Ohio - The Miami field hockey team won a dramatic 4-3 overtime game against 17th-ranked Kent State on Sunday afternoon. Emily Gruesser scored the game-winner two minutes into the extra frame from four yards out. The play was set up by a pass from Amanda Seeley. Miami improves to 6-3 overall and 1-1 in the Mid-American Conference. The Golden Flashes fall to 5-5 overall and 1-1 in the MAC.
"It was a beautiful goal by our overtime unit," said head coach Jill Reeve. "And it was a fantastic finishing goal by Emily Gruesser."
Kent State put the RedHawks in an early hole with goals in the 12th and 17th minutes. Olivia Miller responded in the 30th minute with an unassisted goal from seven yards out. Miami went into the break trailing the Golden Flashes, 2-1.
The score remained that way until the 56th minute when Miller scored her second goal of the game, this time off of a penalty corner. Only one minute later, the RedHawks earned another penalty corner and Miami was able to convert again as Mary Hull scored to give it a 3-2 lead.
Kent State would respond in the 68th minute with a goal to tie the score and send the game to overtime. But that just ended up setting the stage for Gruesser's heroics and the RedHawks', 4-3, win.
"I'd say the team played well and stuck to the game plan," said Reeve. "I was really proud of them because they had to overcome a lot of obstacles in the game, coming back from being behind two goals. Also they were resilient after Kent equalized right at the end of the game."
Hull led Miami with five shots, four of which were on goal. Kent State outshot the RedHawks, 17-10, but was done in by goalkeeper Sarah Mueller, who had six saves on the day.
"Sarah had an outstanding game in the net for us once again," said Reeve. "She has been so solid and has the heart of a lion."
Miami continues MAC play on the road Friday when it travels to Ball State for a 3 p.m. game. The RedHawks return home next Sunday, Oct. 3 when they host Missouri State at noon.
