Flashes make history against Delaware in NCAA Tournament
Kent State teammates ring the victory bell after beating Ohio University in the MAC championship game Saturday, November 8, 2014. The Flashes won, 2-0.
History was made Wednesday when the Kent State field hockey team advanced to NCAA’s Sweet Sixteen, edging the University of Delaware, 2-1.
The Flashes’ (11-10, 5-1 MAC) win gives Kent State field hockey its first NCAA Tournament victory in program history. Led by its seniors, the team was on a mission to stay alive. Kent State field hockey coach Kathleen Wiler talked about what this win means to the university and surrounding community.
“We are so proud to represent the Kent State family and being able to keep playing in the NCAA tournament,” Wiler said.
The Flashes were able to strike early as senior Hannah Faulkner registered her 20th goal of the season. The Blue Hens would respond, but freshman Ines Delpech was able to find the back of the cage on a corner with five minutes left in the first half to give the Flashes the lead.
That would be all the Flashes would need as sophomore goalie Andrea Rinehart held the Blue Hens in check the rest of the way.
“This team has so much to give,” Wiler said. “We played with passion, heart and energy.”
The team will celebrate the victory but knows there is another task at hand. The Flashes will prepare to face reigning national champion UConn in Connecticut on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
“We are going to refuel and regenerate today and start prepping for UConn tomorrow,” Wiler said. “I just couldn’t be more proud of this group.”
Contact Ricky Salcer at [email protected].