Kent State University
Central Michigan University
Flashes Host Chippewas in Search of Third Straight Win
3/31/2021 4:00:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State women's lacrosse team (3-5, 2-1 MAC) looks to secure its third straight victory as the team hosts Central Michigan (4-5, 2-1 MAC) at Dix Stadium.
The matchup marks the first official Mid-American Conference matchup between the two teams, but the conference rivals have met before in 2019 when the Chippewas picked up a 21-5 victory.
A lot has changed since the Golden Flashes' first matchup with CMU in the program's inaugural year. The Flashes are on fire right now after setting a program record against Youngstown State with a whopping 30 shots on goal. Over the last two games the team has recorded 40 goals – the most in program history.
Kent State has matured and proven to be competitive within the newly formed MAC. Juniors Abby Jones and Madison Rapier lead the Flashes with 24 points each. Jones, who just recorded her 100th career point, leads a more balanced Kent State attack than in previous years. Rapier leads the team with 22 goals and has become a consistent leader. She has recorded five goals in each of her last two games.
Jackie Wolford has come on as a strong contributor over the last two weeks. She has all nine of her career goals in the last three games, including a career-high five-point effort against Presbyterian.
After moving from attacker just before the start of the season, Graceyn Dean has been a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end. She caused a career-high five turnovers to lead the Flashes against Youngstown State and currently ranks fifth in the MAC in caused turnovers per game (1.43). The team caused 14 turnovers overall and held YSU to just 20 shots on goal. Taylor Monturo picked up her third win of the season and recorded her second double-digit save effort of the season with 10 saves.
About Central Michigan
Central Michigan is tied with Kent State in second place in the MAC. The battle for sole possession of the number two spot presents a great opportunity for the Flashes to show their improvement as a program. CMU has suffered the same results as the Flashes against similar opponents, earning a win over first-year program YSU and losing to an established Robert Morris squad.
Natalie Karlen leads the Chippewas and ranks second in the MAC with 33 points (26g, 7a). She leads the conference in both goals (26) and goals per game (2.89).
In goal for Central Michigan is the stingy Sierra Savage. The sophomore goalkeeper ranks 34th in the NCAA, allowing just 10.60 goals per game. Her save percentage (.486) ranks 25th in the country and ranks third in the MAC.
Follow the Flashes
The Golden Flashes matchup against MAC-rival Central Michigan can be watched here and live stats are available during the game. For more information on the women's lacrosse team, follow Kent State Lacrosse on Twitter and Instagram and visit kentstatesports.com for additional updates.
Next Up
Kent State will take a week break before kicking off a two-week stretch with four road games, first heading to Robert Morris on Friday, April 9, in a matchup with the conference-leading Colonials. A rematch with CMU follows on Thursday, April 15.
