Flashes Down Cardinals, Advance to MAC Championship Semifinal

Wednesday, November 6

Oxford, Ohio

11:30 a.m.

Kent State University

(7-11)

Ball State

(5-13)

Ball State

Kent State

Photo by: David Dermer

Flashes Down Cardinals, Advance to MAC Championship Semifinal

11/6/2024 2:08:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

OXFORD, Ohio – The Kent State field hockey team opened the 2024 MAC Championship, hosted by Miami, on Wednesday with a quarterfinal match against Ball State. The Flashes secured a 1-0 overtime victory to advance to Wednesday's semifinal against one-seed James Madison.

Kent State opened the match with a dominant first half. The Flashes recorded 14 shots and were awarded nine penalty corners in the opening two quarters while keeping the Cardinals from registering a single shot or corner in the opening 30 minutes. Despite the sustained attacking pressure from the Flashes, including a deflected effort off of the post and multiple one-on-one opportunities, the match remained scoreless at halftime.

The best offensive spell of the game for Ball State came in the third quarter, where they registered their first four shots of the game, which were the only shots they recorded in regulation. After absorbing this pressure, the Flashes responded with the attacking intent they showed in the opening half. Despite finishing regulation with 23 shots recorded and 16 penalty corners earned, Kent State was unable to find the back of the cage as the fourth quarter ended scoreless. Ball State All-MAC Second Team goalkeeper Hannah Johnston frustrated the Flashes all day, saving all 12 shots on goal she faced in regulation.

The Flashes were undeterred by any frustrations on the offensive end as overtime commenced. Five minutes into the first extra period, the consistent offensive effort by Kent State was finally rewarded. After receiving the ball on the end line from Eva Usoz, Emma Seger fired a pass across the face of the goal to the waiting stick of Bella Carpenter, who easily put the chance away. Carpenter's third goal of the season is her biggest, as it secured the 1-0 overtime win for the Flashes.

With today's win, Kent State has a quick turnaround as they will face one-seed James Madison in the MAC Championship semifinal on Thursday, November 7 at 11:30 a.m.