The Kent State field hockey team won the Mid-American Conference Tournament after defeating its heated rival Miami 3-2 today.

“We’re just so happy we came away with a win,” said Kent State coach Kathleen Wiler. “It was really a hard-fought battle by both teams.”

The game was scoreless through the first half with the first goal coming from Miami (14-7, 9-3 MAC) in the 45th minute.

Senior midfielder Rachel Miller, who won the 2010 MAC Player of the Year title, responded five minutes later.

Miami scored again in the 54th minute, but junior forward Debbie Bell tied it up again just 30 seconds later off an assist from MAC Freshman of the Year Rebecca Lee.

The score remained tied at 2-2 until the 68th minute when Bell sank the game-winning goal.

The RedHawks earned a penalty corner with 25 seconds left in the game, but senior goalkeeper Caroline Suitch made two saves, finalizing the Kent State victory.

“(The Flashes) battled until the last minute,” Wiler said. “I’m so proud of the girls and the way they finished off the game.”

Wiler also said the win is a little sweeter since the RedHawks eliminated the Flashes from the MAC Tournament last season.

“But really, it was the two top teams in the conference battling for a championship today,” she said. “(And) we came out on top.”

The Flashes (15-6, 10-2 MAC) will face the Patriot League Champions American University on Tuesday.

“They’re traditionally a really good team, so it should be a good game,” Wiler said.

The winner of this play-in game will move on to the NCAA Tournament.

Contact Rachel Jones at [email protected]