The Kent State women’s soccer team started Mid-American Conference play with a loss against the Central Michigan University Chippewas Friday and a draw with the Bowling Green State University Falcons Sunday.

Friday against Central Michigan

The Flashes fell to the Chippewas 2-1 as CMU captured the lead in the opening minutes by scoring on a 15-yard shot. Freshman goalie Stephanie Senn and the defense were able to hold CMU through the end of the first half. Senn had 6 saves against the Chippewas.

“I think we definitely came out strong we played really well in the second half,” Senn said. “I think we had really good fight against a good team.”

The Flashes were able to equalize the game early in the second half.

Senior Sara Henderson engaged a Chippewa defender from the right side and took the ball down the line in the 66th minute. After a scramble in front of the net, sophomore forward Stephanie Haugh shot the ball into the top corner, hit the post and scored her fourth goal of the season.

CMU fired a shot into the back of the net in the 73rd minute to take back the lead and eventually win the game.

“I thought we did very well,” head coach Rob Marinaro said. “Unfortunately, we ended up on the short end, but I’m proud of the team’s effort and we continue to grow.”

Sunday against Bowling Green

Sunday’s game against BGSU took two overtimes to decide. The game ended in a 0-0 draw. The Flashes took a total of 16 shots, five of which were on goal. Senn had 4 saves against the Falcons.

Marinaro said that the team got caught up in the physical match ups that are not uncommon in conference play.

Haugh said the team was ready for the physical matchup and had a solid performance in the defensive stalemate.

“I think we played really strong and well as a team and through out the game as it went on we got stronger,” Haugh said. “We were playing a really strong game.”

The Golden Flashes continue MAC play at 4 p.m. Friday on Zoeller Field against the Ball State University Cardinals.

Contact Erika Brun at [email protected].