Oct. 29, 2017 Final Stats
Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (HTML)
OXFORD, Ohio - The Miami University field hockey team dominated Ball State 7-1 on Sunday. The RedHawks improve to 9-8 on the season and the Cardinals fall to 5-12.
Miami went undefeated (6-0) in the MAC for the first time in program history. This is the second outright championship in program history and the first since 1981.
"It was relevant for us to make a statement," said head coach Inako Puzo. "This championship belongs to us and I think that was the mentality today that they show up. Because of that mentality we step up right away and we play hard from the first minute. We were able to really put the game away in the first half. I'm impressed with the performance and commitment of my players."
Miami led the game in shots 17-4 and penalty corners 8-2.
Paula Portugal opened up scoring four minutes into the game with her 15th goal of the season by dribbling into the circle and beating Ball State goalkeeper Grace Chavez.
Lexi Silver increased the RedHawks' lead to 2-0 in the sixth minute of play with her fourth goal of the season. Silver tipped a pass from Portugal into the cage.
During the 11th minute of play, Leonor Berlie capitalized on a penalty stroke chance for her third goal of the season. This was her first penalty stroke attempt.
Two minutes later, Portugal netted her second goal of the day and 16th of the season off a pass from Ashley Laskowitz during a penalty corner chance.
At 17:48, Ball State replaced Chavez with Alison McMullen in goal.
Berlie dribbled into the circle and beat McMullen during the 22nd minute of play. This was Berlie's second goal of the game and fourth of the season made the score 5-0.
During the 30th minute of play, Abbey Main got Ball State on the board with a shot from the middle of the circle.
Gabby Luxardo scored her first collegiate goal during the 32nd minute of play off a pass across the circle from Portugal when McMullen was down. The score was 6-1 at the half.
The only goal of the second half came during the 65th minute of play. Henni Otten shot over the defensive sticks and into the back of the cage for her second goal of the season.
Maddie Passarella recorded one save. Portugal led both teams with seven shots and six points (2g, 2a).
"We played as a team and we all played really hard," said senior midfielder/forward Henni Otten. "We played our hearts out. We had lots of shots on goal and played great defense in our 25 and tried to get the ball up on the field."
"[Getting a win on senior day] feels amazing to be here with the crowd," said senior midfielder/forward Brie Stahl. "I think it's really special to get a win in front of all our families and friends on senior day.
Miami travels to the MAC Tournament at Kent State on Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4. The RedHawks enter the tournament as the top seed and will play Appalachian State in a semifinal game on Friday. The winners of the semifinal games will advance to the championship on Saturday.
