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KENT, Ohio - The Miami University field hockey team beat Kent State 2-1 in overtime to capture the MAC Tournament Championship for the third time. Miami improves to 11-8 on the season and Kent State falls to 8-10.

The RedHawks led the game in shots 9-3, allowing no Kent State shots after the first half of play. Miami did not give the Golden Flashes any penalty corners.

"It feels great," said head coach Inako Puzo. "It is great to see all your players happy, especially after all the time and effort that they put into practice, on the field, in the classroom. I think they value a lot in what they do and they value the process, but everybody enjoys winning and now they're celebrating, they're happy, they have a smile on their faces. For a coach, I think this is the biggest reward."

The game was scoreless until the 28th minute when Kent State struck first. Jessica Apelt scored her third of the season off a rebound.

In the 46th minute of play, Avery Sturm netted her third goal of the season to tie the game. Sturm scored on a pass from Paula Portugal indirectly off a penalty corner chance.

Three minutes later, a goal by Paula Portugal was called off after being reviewed. The game remained tied until the end of regulation.

In overtime, Portugal scored the game-winning goal, her 18th goal of the season. Portugal received a pass from Henni Otten midfield and then dribbled the ball into the circle herself and beat Kylie LeBlanc.

"[Being named Most Valuable Player of the tournament] is a great feeling," said senior back Makenna Colby. "It's a great feeling because these four years have been the best years of my life and to go out this way and to have this is a memory. Winning with my teammates and going onto the NCAA tournament, I'm never going to be able to forget this."

"I'm super happy," said junior midfielder/forward Paula Portugal. "It is amazing - we've been working for this all year. It's just amazing. It was an amazing game by our team. We completely dominated in [the second] period. The first half was a little harder but in the second half we completely dominated, we just have to put the ball in and I'm very happy. It's amazing."

Makenna Colby was named the Tournament's Most Valuable Player. Maddie Passarella, A. Sturm, Portugal and Colby were named to the tournament team.

The RedHawks advance to the NCAA Tournament. Miami's opponent and game location will be revealed on Sunday, November 5.