Third time could be the charm
After two losses to Central Michigan, KSU can rebound in MAC Field Hockey Tournament
Sophomore midfielder MaryKate Hanosek hits the ball during Saturday’s game against Central Michigan at Murphy Mellis Field. The Flashes lost 3-0. SEAN DAUGHERTY DAILY KENT STATER
Credit: Steve Schirra
There is no doubt this is not the way coach Kathleen Schanne wanted to start her tenure as the Kent State field hockey coach.
After winning three straight regular-season Mid-American Conference championships, Kent State finished 6-14 (3-7 Mid-American Conference) this season. The fifth-seeded Flashes find themselves in the unfamiliar role of the underdog heading into the MAC tournament.
Despite being seeded low, Schanne said she is confident in her team.
“Right now, I think we are an underdog,” Schanne said. “But we’ve went into overtime with Central Michigan, and we split with everybody else except Miami. Anything is possible.”
Senior forward Liz Fettrow said the team is embracing the underdog mentality.
“Crazier things have happened,” Fettrow said. “The fifth seed won it last year, so maybe it is lucky number five.”
Schanne said winning the MAC tournament will come down to who has the most desire to win.
“I don’t think it comes down to things like trapping, passing, corners and all of that,” Schanne said. It comes down to how much you want it.”
Fettrow said she has learned there are certain characteristics a team must have to win the MAC tournament.
“This should be the time when we peak and play our best,” Fettrow said.
Kent State will play Central Michigan (11-9, 6-4 MAC) in its first round game tomorrow at noon in Athens.
The Chippewas swept the Flashes in the regular season with a win in overtime at Central Michigan and a 3-0 shutout at Kent State this past weekend.
Fettrow said that the Flashes want to beat Central Michigan now more than ever.
“We want that win because we don’t know what it feels like,” Fettrow said. “It gives us more of an incentive to do what is needed to win.”
If Kent State defeats Central Michigan tomorrow they will play top-seeded Ohio on Friday.
Contact field hockey reporter Tyler McIntosh