Nov. 4, 2011

Final Stats

ATHENS, Ohio - The Miami University field hockey team went toe-to-toe with the top seed Ohio Bobcats in the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference Tournament Friday, but fell, 1-0, on a late goal. The RedHawks season comes to an end at 7-15, while the Bobcats improve to 17-4 and move on to tomorrow's MAC Championship game.

"Congratulations to Ohio University, who played a great game today," said head coach Iñako Puzo. "They have had a good season, and we knew that we would have to play at a high level today to be successful on the scoreboard and to advance. They were able to finish in the circle and earned a hard-fought win today."

Sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Mueller came up big for Miami in the first half, making four saves. The Bobcats were awarded five penalty corners during the frame, but were unable to get on the board. Ohio outshot Miami, 7-3, during the first half.

The teams were more conservative during the second half, as there were only a total of seven shots combined taken by both teams. Miami gained a penalty corner in the 52nd minute, but Amanda Seeley's shot went wide of the goal.

In the 57th minute, the Bobcats got a 2v1 breakaway. Jessica Jue took the pass from Katherine Fenzel and shot it past Mueller to give Ohio a 1-0 lead. Miami would force three more penalty corners over the next 13 minutes and get three shots off, but would be unable to get the tying goal in the net.

The Bobcats outshot the RedHawks, 10-7, for the game. The penalty corners finished even, with each team getting eight chances. Emily Gruesser led Miami with three shots, while Mueller finished with four saves in goal. Brittany Branco also had a defensive save for the Red and White.

Friday's game was the final contest for seniors Seeley, Branco, Jackie Nguyen and Kylie Landeros.

"I thought we worked hard today, and it shows that we can hold our heads high with the effort we put out on the field," said Puzo. "While we didn't get the result we wanted, the level of play was very clear. We have improved tremendously, not only from our opening game but also in these last four weeks from when we last played here.I was very proud of this team today, and the 2011 team has laid a strong foundation for the future."

At the conclusion of the tournament, Olivia Miller and Mueller were each awarded spots on the MAC All-Tournament Team.