Miami Loses Heartbreaker in Final Seconds to No. 3 Michigan, 3-2

Friday, November 12

Ann Arbor, MI

12 p.m.

Miami University

University of Michigan

Miami Loses Heartbreaker in Final Seconds to No. 3 Michigan, 3-2

11/12/2021 2:03:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

Ann Arbor, Mich.— On Friday afternoon the Miami Field hockey team battled Michigan in a first-round NCAA Tournament game. The RedHawks took an early 2-0 advantage but were unable to hold off No.3 Michigan who scored the deciding goal with two seconds to play to earn a 3-2 victory. The RedHawks finish the season 12-11, while Michigan improves to 16-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Off of a corner 2:22 into the game, Lexie Nugent scored on an assist from Morgan Sturm to put the RedHawks ahead early, 1-0. The goal was Nugent's eighth of the season and Sturm's third assist of the season.
As the first quarter continued to get underway, Michigan's attack started to generate a lot of pressure on the cage, but Isabelle Perese made four saves in the middle part of the first quarter to keep Miami on top 1-0.
Another corner resulted in another goal, Paula Pena scored off an assist from Claudia Negrete Garcia with 3:03 remaining in the first quarter. The goal extended the RedHawks lead to 2-0, as Pena picked up her seventh goal of the year,
After 15 minutes played, Michigan led in shots 6-3 and penalty corners were tied at 3-3 each but the RedHawks still held a 2-0 lead in the game.
Following three straight corners with 13:50 left in the second quarter, Michigan scored to cut the RedHawks lead in half at 2-1.
At the half, Miami still held a 2-1 lead despite Michigan leading in shots 13-6 and penalty corner 9-6.
Michigan controlled possession for a majority of the third quarter and had four penalty corner opportunities but the RedHawks defensive unit continued to stand tall and kept the game at 2-1.
After 45 minutes played, Michigan led in shots 18-6 and 13-6 in corners but the two early RedHawk goals were still the difference in the game as Miami still led Michigan 2-1.
In the fourth quarter, Michigan continued to look for the equalizer, and the Miami defense held strong until Michigan eventually pulled even with 1:01 to play in the quarter.
With two seconds left in the game, Michigan scored the game-winning goal to claim a 3-2 victory over the RedHawks.
The game ended with the Wolverines leading the RedHawks in shots 23-6 and in penalty corners 16-6.