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OXFORD, Ohio -- The Miami University field hockey team hung with second-ranked Duke for the majority of the contest, but a five minute stretch early in the second half proved to be the difference in a 3-0 Blue Devils victory. The RedHawks fall to 3-5 on the season, while Duke improves its record to a perfect 8-0.

It remained scoreless early as the teams battled for possession in the midfield. Senior goalkeeper Alysa Xavier had a strong save in the 13th minute off of a shot by the Blue Devils' Rose Tynan. Two minutes later, a long pass in from Alexa Mackintire was tipped in by Tynan to get Duke on the board. Late in the first half sophomore midfielder Paula Portugal was able to get a breakaway on the left side. Her shot was kicked away by Blue Devils goalkeeper Sammi Steele to help send the game into the break with Duke in front, 1-0.

In the 47th minute, Xavier was able to make a save off a shot from Stephanie Pezzuit, but the rebound came right to Robin Blazing who was able to put it in. Two minutes later Tynan got her second goal of the game with a hard shot from the top of the circle.

The RedHawks were able to get some pressure in the final 10 minutes of the game as Portugal, junior forward Henni Otten and junior back Mariona Heras each got shots, but they were unable to get on the board as Duke came away with a 3-0 victory.

Duke held a 13-7 advantage in shots, while Miami had the 4-3 lead in penalty corner attempts. Portugal led the RedHawks with three shots, while Xavier made six saves in goal.

Miami begins Mid-American Conference play next Friday when it travels to Central Michigan for a noon contest.