Box Score | Box Score (PDF)

KENT, Ohio -- The Miami University field hockey team played even with top seed Kent State for a half, but a big second half offensive attack for the Golden Flashes gave them a 4-0 victory in the Mid-American Conference Championship game Saturday afternoon. KSU advances to the NCAA Tournament with a 13-6 record, while the RedHawks finish their season at 12-8.

At the conclusion of the tournament, senior goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, senior midfielder Carla Romagosa and junior back Mariona Heras were named to the MAC All-Tournament Team. Xavier stood on her head in the MAC Championship game, finishing with 11 saves. Romagosa had an assist in the win over Longwood in the semifinals and led the team throughout the event, while Heras scored a goal against the Lancers.

We finished our 2016 season with no regrets," said head coach Inako Puzo. "We left everything on the field. We believed and we battled to the end. This team is so good that we do not just know how to win, we also know how to lose. We do it with our heads up, recognizing the superiority of the other team in today's game, and congratulating Kent State for the tournament title."

The teams battled through a scoreless first half in which Miami had a 7-5 advantage in shots. The RedHawks best opportunity came as the period came to an end when they were awarded a penalty corner. Heras had a good look at it, Kent State's goalkeeper just kicked it away and out of bounds to send the game into halftime.

The Golden Flashes came out on the attack in the second half and broke the tie on a penalty corner goal in the 41st minute. KSU was able to score another penalty corner goal in the 58th minute to increase its advantage to 2-0. Miami had to take chances at that point and the Flashes took advantage, putting in two goals late to finish off the 4-0 win.

"We did not have any answer for Kent State speed in the second half," said Puzo. I think the first half was very even with clear opportunities for both teams. We were not effective in the last meters of the field. But the second half was way different. Kent State increased the intensity and we ran out of gas. We could not answer physically to that game."

Kent State held a 20-8 lead in total shots, and a 7-1 advantage in penalty corner attempts. Sophomore forward Paula Portugal led the RedHawks with three shots.

"I am thankful to all my 26 players for everything they have done this season," said Puzo. "We were a very competitive and disciplined team. We are today a better team and a stronger program that in November of 2015. This team keeps growing and the game today will make us stronger. We will rise up from this loss.

"My seniors are leaving their Miami jerseys today in a better place than when they received it four years ago. They can be proud of the job well done and for their legacy left to the Miami Field Hockey program."