OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University field hockey team (12-6, 5-0 MAC) shutout Michigan State by a 4-0 margin on Sunday. The Spartans drop to 4-14 on the season.
Paula Portugal opened scoring in the seventh minute of play with a penalty stroke goal. This was her 19
th goal of the season.
The RedHawks earned two penalty corners but could not get another one past Jade Arundell.
With three minutes remaining in the first half, Portugal scored her second of the afternoon and 20
th of the season to give Miami a two-goal lead. Portugal took the ball to the top of the circle and beat Arundell with a clean backhand.
The RedHawks led 2-0 after 35 minutes of play. Miami limited Michigan State to no shots or penalty corners during the first half, while taking 11 shots and earning two penalty corners.
The Spartans started the second half with a push, earning their first penalty corner of the game and taking three shots in the first two minutes of the half.
Maddie Passarella made two big saves to preserve her sixth shutout of the season.
After a video review, Michigan State was awarded its second and final penalty corner chance but could not capitalize because of a shot block from
Kendall Hunker.
In the 46
th minute of play, Portugal completed her third hat trick of the season. Portugal got the ball on a rebound. Her hard shot was deflected by a Michigan State player into the top corner of the net. Portugal's 21 goals this season is a new career high for single season goals.
Miami continued to put pressure on the Michigan State defensive front, earning back to back corners midway through the second half.
Gabby Luxardo put in a rebound for her second goal of the season to cap scoring at 4-0 during the 59
th minute of play.
The RedHawks led the game in shots (28-5), shots on goal (15-2) and penalty corners (10-2). Portugal led both teams with eight shots, six of which made it on cage. Passarella recorded two saves en route to her sixth shutout of the season.
Miami concludes regular-season play with a home game on Sunday, Oct. 28 at noon against Ohio.
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