Miami University
Missouri State University
Miami Earns Victory Over Missouri State
10/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 8, 2011
OXFORD, Ohio - The Miami University field hockey team got back on the winning track Saturday with a 3-2 victory over Missouri State. Jackie Nguyen, Amanda Seeley and Gabby Goldach each scored for the RedHawks. Miami improves to 5-10 overall and 3-3 in the Mid-American Conference. The Bears fall to 3-9 overall and 0-5 in the MAC.
The game started out mostly in the midfield with Emily Gruesser's shot in the eighth minute, the only shot attempt in the first 12 minutes of the game. Missouri State struck first in the 16th minute with a shot from the top of the circle. Miami evened the game at one when Nguyen tipped in Jordon Long's shot on a penalty corner.
With less than three minutes left in the half, the RedHawks attempted to set up a play to Kylie Landeros in the top of the circle. The Bears made a strong defensive play to keep the ball from reaching Landeros, but the loose ball found its way to Goldach. She took a long shot from the left side of the circle that beat the goalkeeper to her left. Miami took a 2-1 lead into the half despite being outshot, 5-4.
The RedHawks came out on the attack to begin second half. Several early chances paid off in the 39th minute when Seeley's shot from the top of the circle was deflected off a Missouri State player's stick and into the top of the net.
Miami controlled play for the remainder of the game, holding the Bears to only five shots, all late in the contest. Missouri State was able to get one goal back in the 65th minute, and was awarded a penalty corner in the 69th minute. Sarah Mueller made two kick saves on that attempt to preserve the RedHawks' 3-2 win.
"We came out and played hard for the most part," said Gruesser. "We had a few lulls in the middle of the game, but in those last few minutes we really fought hard and were able to earn the win."
Miami outshot the Bears, 16-10 for the game. The RedHawks also had an 8-3 advantage in penalty corners. Olivia Miller led the way with four shots. Mueller made eight saves in goal.
The RedHawks will return to action next Saturday when they travel to Mt. Pleasant to take on Central Michigan. Game time is scheduled for noon.
