Flashes offensive breakthrough key in extending their win streak
Kent State senior forward Jessica Apelt fights against Northwestern midfielder Lily Gandhi to keep possession of the ball against Northwestern on Sept. 4, 2018. Kent State lost the match, 4-2.
The Kent State field hockey team (4-9, 2-1 Mid-American Conference) continued their offensive dominance shown in last week’s game as they scored five goals against Central Michigan (1-13, 0-4 MAC) on Sunday en route to their second victory in a row.
The Flashes offense attacked early in the 9th minute when sophomore back Hailie Balachick scored with an assist from senior forward Courtney Weise.
“I think they had some very good moments there today. Some really great passing, defending. I think it’s really great to see them put the ball in the back of the net,” coach Kathleen Wiler said.
After a second goal by Weise was overturned, the Flashes didn’t hesitate to add on. In the 30th minute, junior forward Laila Ritcher scored on a penalty shot with assists from freshman midfielder Helena Cambra Soler and sophomore back Clara Rodriguez Seto.
Kent State was able to out shoot the Chippewas 13 to three. With a strong defense, junior goalie Mary Crumlish only faced two shots on Sunday, tallying one save.
In the 46th minute the Flashes answered again when Balachick scored her second goal of the game. Balachick scored two goals on the day marking this as her second and third goal of the season.
The Flashes didn’t stop there. With back-to-back goals in the 54th and 56th minute, Weise scored her second of the season, unassisted. Sophomore back Emma Bressler scored the goal in the 56th minute with assists from Soler and Seto.
“I feel like we made some really good decisions. Things are looking much tighter and better in the circle, for sure,” Wiler said.
Kent State held Central Michigan to one goal in the 65th minute when Alli Huddleson scored with assists from Georgina Minta and Kady Gurtis.
“We did a good week of preparation and are getting ready for Ball State. We’ll just be ready to continue to work on our team defense, our patients, and ball movement,” Wiler said. “Some of the basic skills seemed like everything was coming together today.”
The Flashes will take on Ball State University (2-10, 2-1 MAC) at Murphy-Mellis Field on Oct.12th at 1 p.m.
Amanda Levine is a sports reporter. Contact her at [email protected].