Miami Ohio University Athletics
RedHawks Edged by Golden Flashes, 2-1
10/18/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami field hockey team fell behind early and battled back to tie the score at 1-1, but a second goal off a rebound gave visiting Kent State a 2-1 win. The RedHawks (4-11, 2-2 MAC) were led by senior Valentina Neira’s ninth goal of the season but it wasn’t enough to get past the Golden Flashes (6-8, 3-0 MAC).
"It was a good game from both teams," head coach Iñako Puzo said afterwards. "We were able to penetrate inside the attacking 25 but we were completely inefficient on the attack and they were more efficient."
Miami outshot Kent State 10-8 and had seven shots on goal compared to the Golden Flashes five, but couldn't capitalize frequently enough.
The RedHawks controlled possession for most of the first half and had a 4-1 edge in shots when Geagy Pritchard got free for a one-on-one breakaway, she was able to get by the goalkeeper but her shot was stopped by Missy Ramsey to keep the score 0-0. The Golden Flashes, then, got a scoring opportunity on a penalty corner. Alysa Xavier was able to turn away the initial attempt and Gabby Goldach earned a defensive save on the second shot of the scramble, however the third shot was the charm for Kent State as Hannah Faulkner scored on an assist from Madison Thompson. Miami made another run in the final four minutes of the half, but couldn’t equal the score and went to halftime down 1-0.
Valentine Neira, who along with Pritchard kept pressure on the Kent State defense all afternoon, finally broke through scoring a goal from Bea Dechant on a beautifully executed penalty corner to even the score at 1-1 with 15 minutes to play. Six minutes later the Golden Flashes moved back ahead when Faulker slapped a rebound back into the net to move Kent State back on top at a score of 2-1.
"We had plenty of chances, we just came back empty handed again and again," Puso said.
Neira’s goal was the 21st of her career and Dechant’s assist was her fifth of the season and 14th of her career. Xavier made four saves on the day as Goldach recorded her third defensive save of the season.
"Now we have to focus on making the conference tournament," Puso continued. "Missouri State is a good team that is playing better this season, especially at home. So we need to play well and get a win there."
The RedHawks will travel Missouri State on Friday at 5 p.m in search of that important MAC victory Puso referenced. The team will come home to celebrate Senior Day against UC Davis on Sunday, Oct. 26 at noon before wrapping up the regular season at Ball State the following Saturday.
