OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University field hockey team hosts two games this weekend. On Saturday, the RedHawks host conference-opponent Appalachian State at noon. On Sunday, Miami plays Michigan State at 2 p.m.

Saturday's game against Appalachian State is the team's annual pride game, sponsored by Spectrum. Sunday's game against Michigan State is the faculty/staff appreciation game as well as the One Love game. One Love is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence.

Last weekend, Miami beat Saint Louis on the road by a 4-1 margin before controlling much of the game at No. 10 Louisville but ultimately losing 2-3 in overtime. Sophomore midfielder Leonor Berlie earned MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors after scoring the game-winning goal against Saint Louis and netting both Miami goals against No. 10 Louisville.

Assistant coach Chip Rogers, senior back/midfielder Avery Sturm and freshman midfielder/forward Noor Breedijk spoke to MiamiRedHawks.com about last weekend's games, returning to home turf and this weekend's themes.
 

OPPONENT PREVIEW

ABOUT APPALACHIAN STATE: The Mountaineers (5-10, 1-3 MAC) earned their first conference victory in a 5-1 win against Central Michigan last Friday, also snapping a nine-game losing streak. Sophomore midfielder Veerle Van Heertum (eight goals, three assists, 19 points) and freshman midfielder Fredi Stegen (five goals, seven assists, 17 points) lead the Appalachian State offense.

SERIES WITH APPALACHIAN STATE: Miami holds a 12-4 lead in the all-time series with Appalachian State, winning the past six-straight meetings. In 2017, the RedHawks beat the Mountaineers in the MAC semifinals by a 6-1 margin. Miami goals were scored by Lexi Silver (2), Neely Lochmoeller, Berlie, Allie Grace Joyner and Paula Portugal.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE: The Spartans (4-12, 0-7 Big Ten) fell to conference-rival No. 7 Michigan by a 0-1 margin last Friday. Michigan State plays at No. 21 Ohio State on Friday, Oct. 19 before traveling to Oxford. Freshman forward/midfielder Isa van der Wejj leads the Spartans' offense with four goals and 10 total points.

SERIES WITH MICHIGAN STATE: Miami owns six wins in the 22-game series with Michigan State. In 2017, the Spartans won 3-2 as regulation time expired. Portugal and Berlie scored for the RedHawks.

UP AHEAD: Miami wraps up its regular season with senior day on Sunday, Oct. 28 against Ohio at noon.