Kent State University
Ball State University
Field Hockey to Host Ball State and No. 22 Ohio State
10/11/2018 8:21:00 AM | Field Hockey
Match #1
Vs. Ball State | Friday, Oct. 12 | 1:00 p.m.
Match #2
Vs. Ohio State | Sunday, Oct. 14 | 12:00 p.m.
KENT, Ohio –The Kent State University field hockey team is set to host Ball State and No. 22 Ohio State at Murphy-Mellis Field this weekend. Continuing Mid-American Conference play, the Flashes (4-9, 2-1 MAC) will push off against Ball State (2-10, 2-1 MAC) on Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. and then face No. 22 Ohio State (8-6, 3-3 Big Ten) in a non-conference matchup on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 12:00 p.m.
Last time out, the Flashes dominated Central Michigan offensively in a 5-1 victory. Sophomore Hailie Balachick netted two goals on the day while sophomore Emma Bressler, junior Laila Richter, and senior Courtney Weise added to the action, each notching goals. The Kent State defense held the Chippewas to only 3 shots on goal on the day and junior goalkeeper Mary Crumlish recorded 2 saves for the Flashes.
SCOUTING BALL STATE
Currently holding a 2-1 record in conference play, Ball State has recorded wins over Ohio University and Appalachian State, and falling to current leader Miami. The Cardinals defeated Ohio University in their last outing, 3-2 in an overtime thriller on Oct. 5.
The Cardinals held a 1-0 lead going into the halftime break, however the Bobcats scored a tying goal right out of the gate in the 37th minute. Ball State regained the lead in the 68th minute, but only for a moment as the Bobcats immediately responded to tie it 2-2. In overtime, Ball State's Rachel Pereira notched the game-winner on a penalty corner in the 85th minute, assisted by Anya Eicher and Sierra Jefferson.
On the season, the Cardinals have tallied 12 goals on 83 shot attempts, and have three players with three goals apiece -- Pereira, Jefferson, and Michelle Shampton. In goal, Grace Chavez has racked up 86 saves and has recorded a shutout on the season for Ball State.
The Flashes are 34-33 overall against Ball State and defeated the Cardinals, 2-1, a year ago in Muncie, Indiana.
SCOUTING No. 22 OHIO STATE
Following a perfect 2-0 weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes moved up in the rankings from No. 25 to No. 22 this week, defeating No. 15 Northwestern and Ohio University. OSU is 8-6 on the season and 3-3 in Big Ten play, and has defeated four of nine ranked teams faced, including No. 10 Louisville, 3-2 on Aug. 26.
On Friday, Oct. 5, the Buckeyes defeated Northwestern, 2-1 in Evanston, Illinois, knocking the WildCats down to No. 15 in this week's poll. Following a scoreless first half with only five shots taken between the two teams, Ohio State struck first on a goal by Genevieve Penzone eight minutes into the second half. Northwestern responded minutes later on a penalty corner to tie the score, 1-1. The game was decided in the 58th minute on a penalty corner, as Esther Clotet fired in the game-winner.
On the season, the Buckeyes have racked up 36 goals, and are led offensively by Casey Cole with six goals and an assist as well as Clotet and Sammy Stone, each with five goals and three assists. Two other players have notched three goals apiece and four Buckeyes have added two goals to the attack. In goal, Aaliyah Hernandez leads the defense with 40 saves on the season.
The Flashes defeated the Buckeyes, 2-1, a year ago in Columbus, and are 8-23 all time against Ohio State.
The Buckeyes will host James Madison University in Columbus on Friday afternoon before hitting the road to Kent State for a 12:00 p.m. start at Murphy-Mellis Field on Sunday, Oct. 14.
