The Kent State field hockey team got its first two wins of the season, defeating Lock Haven 1-0 and Pennsylvania 3-1 at Temple University in Philadelphia this weekend.

“It was important to get those two wins,” coach Kathleen Schanne said. “I’ve said it before: It is tough to win on the road, so to get two in the row makes us happy.”

Saturday’s 1-0 win over Lock Haven was highlighted by tough defense and a late goal by senior team captain Charlotte Muller.

“We played well defensively,” Schanne said. “We are much more patient when we turned the ball over, and we are not trying to force anything. Our defense has improved a lot since last week and last season.”

Sunday the team had an offensive explosion when it scored all three goals in the second half. The coach is noticing improvement every time the team is on the field.

“It is important for us to get better every week,” Schanne said. “We’re getting better every day, every week and every half.”

One of the keys to Sunday’s win was the return of sophomore fullback Jess Coil, who had been battling injuries all season. Her return allowed Muller and freshman Rachel Miller to move closer to the net.

“We were a little healthier this weekend,” Schanne said. “We had a full roster Sunday, which allowed us to get more people in and out and keep the team fresh.”

Miller continued her impressive season with another goal and assist. The freshman now has two goals and two assists in her first four games as a Golden Flash. Schanne said the feat is impressive, but the team expects this kind of play from Miller.

Junior Natalie Barrett also scored another goal Sunday and has a goal in three of the first four games.

The Flashes posted back-to-back wins for the first time since 2005, and now sit 2-2 for the season.

“The back-to-back victories are important for consistency,” Schanne said. “The ladies were tired on the way home last night, but we were all very happy with the weekend.”

Contact field hockey reporter Jeff Russ at [email protected].