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OXFORD, Ohio - The Miami University field hockey team edged out MAC-rival Kent State 1-0 to stay undefeated against conference teams so far this season. The RedHawks improve to 5-6 on the season and the Golden Flashes fall to 4-8.

"Today's was probably not the most beautiful game of hockey we have played but everybody played their hearts off," said head coach Inako Puzo. "It was very complicated to develop any play due to the pressure we received from Kent State's defense. They did not let us be comfortable on the field at any time. I'm glad that we were up to the challenge today and able to handle it. Kent State has a great team with a lot of experience so this win has an amazing value for us. Maddie's performance in the cage was excellent. She kept us in the game and her performance had a big impact on the scoreboard. We have to keep building the team confidence, trust what we are doing and keep supporting each other. It is the only way. Stay focused and keep it real. We have many other difficult games to win if we want to be a contester for titles this year. I count on my players and they count on me, on our staff and with Miami support."

Kent State led the game in shots 16-6 and penalty corners 12-6.

In the fifth minute of play, Paula Portugal netted her ninth goal of the season on a penalty corner feed from Estel Roig. This is her third game-winning goal of the season. The play began when Portugal won the ball midfield and fed it up the field to Lexie Nugent who earned the penalty corner. With these points, Portugal moves into fifth place all-time in points with 89, passing All-American Bea Dechant.

Miami led in shots 4-3 and penalty corners 5-3 at the half before a second-half push from Kent State.

"This game was a total team effort," said senior back Makenna Colby. "We played together with heart and with the mindset of playing to win. We were confident and our attitude was positive the entire 70 minutes. We faced a lot of corners at the end but we had each other's backs and were going to win."

Maddie Passarella recorded seven saves, all in the second half of play. Portugal led the RedHawks with three shots.

Miami returns home next weekend as they continue MAC play against Longwood on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.