Kent State University
(8-9, 5-1)
Ohio University
(4-10, 2-4)
Field Hockey Wins on Senior Day
10/28/2017 3:14:00 PM | Field Hockey
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State University field hockey team (8-9, 5-1 MAC) won its fourth straight match to end the regular season Saturday, defeating the Ohio Bobcats (4-10, 2-4 MAC), 1-0.
Prior to the match, Kent State recognized its senior class for its outstanding achievement with the Golden Flashes. Jessica Nesbitt, Silvia Figa Malgosa, Jamie Fries, Shannon Talbot, Eilidh Thomson, Ines Delpech and Alison Harmatz were all honored after winning MAC Championships in every year of their career so far.
The Flashes had to feed off the emotion of senior day, as the weather played a factor in the match for both teams. Kent State played through rain, wind and temperatures in the upper 30's. However, the Flash defense was unfazed, playing a near perfect match in a shutout effort.
Ohio was held to two shots, one in each half. The back line, led by All-American Ines Delpech, kept Ohio without a shot attempt for almost 68 straight minutes. Ohio's lone shot on goal was a pinpoint attempt in the top corner, but saved by goalkeeper Kylie LeBlanc.
Offensively, Kent State put forth a steady attack and capitalized in the 41st minute. Freshman Ashley Bonetz set up the play in the circle and earned an assist by feeding Laila Richter, who scored from point blank range. It was Richter's team-best seventh goal of the season and the first assist of Bonetz's career.
Overall, Kent State outshot the Bobcats, 10-2, with over half on target. The Flashes forced five saves by Ohio. Kent State took seven penalty corners to Ohio's two. Delpech led Kent State with four shot attempts.
The Flashes will enter the MAC Tournament as the second seed, facing third-seeded Longwood Friday at Murphy-Mellis Field. The Championship match is scheduled for Saturday, with a spot in the NCAA Tournament on the line.
Team Stats
RICHTER, Laila (7)
Assisted By: BONETZ, Ashley
from point blank range
40:25
