The Kent State field hockey team’s chase for its first Mid-American Conference tournament title since 2002 ended Friday in Athens.

After posting a season-high six goals in its opening-round victory over Central Michigan, Kent State was unable to duplicate its performance in a 3-1 loss to Ohio in the semifinals of the MAC tournament.

The Flashes managed just three shots in the game, only one of which was on goal, while the Bobcats had 16. Kent State also had nine fewer corners than Ohio.

After a first half in which both teams went scoreless, Kent State found itself with a 1-0 lead early in the second half when sophomore forward Natalie Barrett continued her big weekend.

Barrett snuck past two defenders to the inside of the circle and slid a shot inside the goal. The goal was Barrett’s third of the tournament.

Just over one minute later, senior goalie Linz Markwart surrendered her first goal of the tournament when Rachelle Coetzee scored Ohio’s first goal.

According to Ohio’s athletic department Web site, the Bobcats’ coach Neil Macmillan said that answering the Flashes goal quickly was the most important part of the game. Macmillian said she was worried that the goal, along with the six scored against Central Michigan, would give Kent State too much momentum

Coetzee then assisted Torri Albini to give the Bobcats a 2-1 lead. The one goal lead would prove to be all Ohio needed. Coetzee’s twin sister, Estienne Coetzee, scored Ohio’s final goal to give the Bobcats the 3-1 victory.

Markwart, who had seven saves against Ohio, finished sixth in career saves for Kent State with 338.

Barrett and freshman back Jessica Coil were both named to the MAC All-Tournament Team. Barrett had a team-high nine shots and three goals in Kent State’s two tournament games.

Three Flashes also earned all-MAC honors this season. Senior forward Kate Perry and junior midfielder Charlotte Muller were both named to the first team. Perry led the Flashes with 14 goals and eight assists. Muller, who is on the all-MAC team for the second time in her career, finished with seven goals and six assists.

Sophomore back Stephanie Bernthal was named to the all-MAC second team. Bernthal had seven assists this season.

Contact field hockey reporter Tyler McIntosh at [email protected].