Field Hockey Falls in Overtime MAC Championship Match

Saturday, November 4

2:00 PM

Kent State University

(9-10)

Miami University (MAC Tournament)

(11-8)

OT 1

Miami

Kent State

Field Hockey Falls in Overtime MAC Championship Match

11/4/2017 5:12:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

KENT, Ohio – The Kent State University field hockey team (9-10) competed in a classic MAC Championship match against the Miami Redhawks (11-8) Saturday, but came up just short in overtime, 2-1.

The Flashes scored an early goal to take the initial lead in what would be an evenly fought defensive match. Miami tied the match in the second half and won on an overtime goal in the 79th minute.

The initial goal came on the best offensive attack of the match for Kent State. The attack started on a Courtney Weise shot that bounced off the pads of the goalkeeper and directly to Jessica Apelt. The junior scored on her first touch, giving Kent State the advantage in the 29th minute.

The Flashes held Miami off the scoreboard for the remainder of the second half, but the Redhawks tied the match in the 47th minute. Avery Sturm scored the equalizer indirectly off of a corner. Less than three minutes later, Paula Portugal looked to have put Miami ahead, but the goal was disallowed upon video review.

The defenses took over from that point on, securing the trip to overtime. Miami would take two more shots in regulation, one off the post and another saved by Kylie LeBlanc. The overtime was mostly played at midfield, but Miami went ahead on the only shot of the period. Portugal scored for Miami on an unassisted play in the 79th minute to seal the MAC Championship.

Overall, Miami outshot Kent State, 9-3, although all of the Flashes' shots were on goal. LeBlanc finished with three saves.

The heartbreaking finish puts an end to the Flashes season, but also to a historic run by the current senior class. Kent State was aiming for its fourth straight MAC Tournament Championship, after winning titles from 2014-16. The Flashes will return to contention in 2018 with five tournament titles over the last decade.