Delaware Nips Flashes 3-2 in Columbus
8/26/2007 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Columbus, Ohio - Junior forward Natalie Barrett continued to be an offensive force for Kent State (0-2), but the Golden Flashes found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 decision for the second straight day at the Buckeye Invitational. Delaware handed KSU the loss Sunday (Aug. 26) in the first meeting between the two schools at Ohio State's North Turf Field.
"We were all over them today," said Head Coach Kathleen Schanne. "I'm really pleased with the fight in this team and we improved upon yesterday's performance. We just need to take full advantage of scoring opportunities when they come."
Just 90 seconds into the game, Barrett collected the ball on a breakaway and sent it into the left corner of the goal. For the second straight day she gave the Flashes a 1-0 first half lead. Barrett has now scored a goal in each of her last four games.
"Natalie has really taken on a huge leadership role up front," Schanne said.
Molly Burke polished off Delaware's first penalty corner attempt nine minutes into the game to knot the score at one all. Less than two minutes later, the Blue Hens took the lead (2-1) with a shot off the stick of Casey Howard.
The Golden Flashes still trailed by a goal to start the second half, but Barrett pushed a centering pass to senior midfielder Anna McComb, who notched her first goal of the season. The Hens went back on top with 13 minutes to play when Burke finished off another penalty corner.
KSU kept the ball the ball in Delaware's end for the final four minutes, but could not find a crease in the Blue Hen defense.
"We really kept the pressure on in the second half," Schanne said. "We kept it inside their 25-yard line late, we just weren't able to convert."
Sunday's win combined with a 4-0 shutout of the host Buckeyes on Saturday moved the Blue Hens to 2-0. Delaware outshot the Flashes 7-5 and had one save from each of its goalkeepers.
Senior goalkeeper Kara Copeland made a pair of saves.
The Golden Flashes will play in their second tournament in as many weekends beginning Saturday (Sept. 1) at the Temple Invitational. KSU will take on Lock Haven and Penn in consecutive days in Philadelphia.
