
Two Pivotal MAC Matchups Up Next for Flashes
10/17/2024 2:00:00 PM | Field Hockey
KENT, Ohio - The Kent State field hockey team (3-10, 2-2 MAC) is set to ramp up MAC play this weekend, with two conference contests on tap. The Flashes will host Central Michigan on Friday at Murphy-Mellis Field at 2 p.m. before visiting Ohio on Sunday at noon.
About the Flashes
The Flashes are hoping to improve from a challenging last weekend, where they fell 3-0 in back-to-back matches against James Madison and no. 4 Ohio State. Despite the three-goal differential in the scoreline, Kent State competed well in last Friday's match with the Dukes. The Flashes, who were out-shot just 13-10, failed to convert on 11 penalty corners. Additionally, James Madison converted on two penalty strokes to grab control of the match. Facing one of the most talented teams in the nation last Sunday, Kent State utilized a solid defensive performance to keep the match within arm's length. The Flashes held the Buckeyes to just three goals on 17 shot attempts, responding well to the relentless Ohio State attack.
Scouting Central Michigan
The Chippewas enter Friday's match at 3-10 overall and 0-5 in MAC conference play. Central Michigan has faced all four of Kent State's previous MAC opponents this season, falling to Longwood, James Madison, App State, and most recently Ball State. They also hosted Michigan State last Sunday, suffering a 3-1 defeat to the Spartans. Junior forward Mallory Camryn has impressed up front for the Chippewas this season, tallying team highs of eight goals and three assists.
Scouting Ohio
The Bobcats defeated Bellarmine in a road contest last Friday by a scoreline of 3-1 to improve to 2-3 in MAC conference play. Ohio hosted no. 16 Penn State on Sunday in a 5-0 defeat, bringing their overall record to 5-8. The Bobcats have boasted a balanced attack this season, led by Sasha Dikotla and Anouk Plaehn who each have a team-high four goals.
The Series
The Flashes lead the all-time series with Central Michigan 60-16, winning nine of the last ten matchups between the schools. Kent State recorded an 8-0 victory in last season's conference match at Murphy-Mellis Field.
Kent State holds a 55-27-2 advantage over the Bobcats in the all-time series. The Flashes had a 12-match win streak over Ohio snapped in last season's 3-2 home defeat to the Bobcats.
Follow the Flashes
Be sure to follow Kent State Field Hockey on X and Instagram for more news and information about the team throughout the 2024 season.