Senior forward Laurie Wilkins scored the only goal the Kent State field hockey team needed yesterday to beat Michigan 1-0 in Ann Arbor, Mich.

With the win, Kent State (10-6, 6-1 Mid-American Conference) earned its best away record since 2000 at 7-3. The Flashes have won seven of their last eight games and six of their last seven road games.

The shot by Wilkins came in the 58th minute from an assist from junior midfielder Rachel Miller. The goal was Wilkins sixth of the year and Miller’s eighth assist.

In a first half where both team recorded four shots each, junior goalkeeper Caroline Suitch made three saves to keep Michigan off the scoreboard. In the second half Suitch saved one shot to shut out the Wolverines for the game.

The shutout was Suitch’s first and the Flashes’ third of the season. Previously the team blanked Lock Haven (2-0, on Sept. 13) and Saint Louis (7-0, on Aug. 28).

Kent State finished the day outshooting Michigan, 14-6, but could only capitalize on one of the attempts. Sophomore forward Debbie Bell led the team with eight shots.

The shutout against Michigan marks the first game of the season that Kent State held an opponent scoreless.

Kent State will start a three-game home stand this Saturday against Central Michigan.

Contact sports reporter Cody Erbacher at [email protected].