MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – The Miami University field hockey team shut out Central Michigan on Friday by a 5-0 margin. The RedHawks improve to 8-4 on the season while the Chippewas drop to 1-12 overall.

"Today was not an easy win," said senior back/midfielder Avery Sturm. "It took a lot of effort and teamwork to get the outcome that we got today. We were able to really trust in each other and in our game which made it possible for us to connect on the field."

"Today was an important MAC game and we knew it was going to be a battle," said red-shirt senior back/midfielder Mariona Heras. "We had to be prepared to fight for 70 minutes and we did. We started the game with really good energy which gave us confidence. We worked hard in a field that was not easy. We were able to support each other and execute at both ends of the field."

Miami quickly gained possession of the ball, getting the first shot of the game just 20 seconds into play. The RedHawks took two more shots in the first three minutes before earning the first penalty corner of the game just four minutes in.

Leo Berlie's initial shot on the penalty corner is turned away by the Chippewa goalkeeper. The rebound is kicked right to the stick of Noor Breedijk, whose shot is tipped in by Mariona Heras for her second goal of the season.

In the ninth minute, Central Michigan takes a shot that sails wide of the RedHawk goal. This would be the Chippewa's only shot of the half.

Paula Portugal puts the RedHawks up 2-0 with a goal on the penalty corner in the 12^th minute of play. Kirsten McNeil and Kenzie Peterson pick up assists on the direct penalty corner goal. This is Portugal's 13^th goal of the season.

Midway through the half, Lexie Nugent scores her fourth of the season off a quick transition pass from Leonor Berlie.

Miami continued to play its possession and passing game, entering halftime with the 3-0 lead. The RedHawks also led in shots (15-1), shots on goal (10-0) and penalty corners (8-0) in the first half.
Miami controlled the ball to start the second half, taking five shots and earning three penalty corners.

With 20 minutes remaining in the game, Heras scored her second of the game directly on a penalty corner, with the feed from McNeil and the stop from Peterson.

After Central Michigan took a timeout, the Chippewas earned their first two penalty corners of the game. The Miami defensive front only allowed one shot total for the two penalty corner opportunities. That shot was blocked before reaching the Miami goal.

In the 56^th minute of play, Berlie dribbled the ball into the circle and passed it to Gabby Luxardo to give the RedHawks a 5-0 lead. This is Luxardo's first goal of the season.

Miami kept pressing the remainder of the game. The RedHawks led in shots (27-3), shots on goal (15-0) and penalty corners (11-3).

Berlie led the RedHawks' offense with six shots while Heras led with two goals. Maddie Passarella and Rosie Kalis earned their second shared shutout of the season in the RedHawks' six shutout of the season.

Miami continues conference play on the road at Longwood on Saturday, Oct. 6 at noon.