Future MAC Preview Goes in Favor of Delaware
9/13/2026 5:16:00 PM | Field Hockey
KENT, Ohio – Kent State was narrowly defeated 1-2 against future Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponent, Delaware, at Murphy-Mellis Field on Sunday afternoon.
The Fightin' Blue Hens announced in early August that their field hockey team will join the MAC next season, becoming the second Delaware sport to join the conference as an affiliate member (Women's Rowing).
Delaware got the better of Kent State in the future conference preview by heavily attacking the net and controlling possession of the ball for the majority of the game. Delaware outshot Kent State 15-5 and had six more shots on goal than the Golden Flashes.
Despite the loss, Kent State was able to strike first in the game, as senior midfielder/forward Eva Usoz netted her second goal of the weekend off a Ryli Zee penalty corner assist in the second quarter. Usoz slapped the shot from the very top-center of the semicircle, curving the ball like a missile around the Delaware goalkeeper. Usoz is now the standalone team leader in goals, points, shots, shots on goal, and defensive saves. She is also ranked in top-10 in the MAC in shots (14, 6th) and shots per game (2.33, 8th).
Unfortunately for the Golden Flashes, Delaware struck back less than two minutes later when Katie Clarke scored an unassisted goal. Clarke was the star of the show for the Fightin' Blue Hens, leading all players in the game with two shots on goal. Clarke also had as many total shots as Kent State did collectively as a team, firing the ball five times in the contest.
Delaware was then able to take the one goal lead with a Linde van Leeuwen goal at the start of the second half. Avary Miller and Kate Fiest were credited with the assists. Kent State had a few penalty corner chances in the third and fourth quarters but weren't able to produce any goals as Delaware effectively ran out the clock with controlled passing.
Up Next
Kent State plays their MAC season opener at home against Central Michigan on Friday, Sept. 18 at 2pm. The Golden Flashes have been fairly evenly matched with the Chippewas in the recent past.
-
Follow Kent State Field Hockey
For complete coverage of Kent State Field Hockey, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.
