Kent State University
Central Michigan
Kent State’s Homestand Continues Against Central Michigan and Bucknell
9/17/2026 11:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
KENT, Ohio – The Golden Flashes' Field Hockey team will take on the Central Michigan Chippewas and the Bucknell Bison this weekend for their second straight pair of home games.
Kent State faces Central Michigan on Friday at 2pm and then will take on Bucknell on Sunday at 1 pm. The Golden Flashes' matchup against the Chippewas is the team's Mid-American Conference (MAC) opener.
Last Time Out
The Golden Flashes lost a pair of close games at home last weekend, losing 1-3 to Michigan State and 1-2 to Delaware. KSU had solid defensive play through the first quarter against Michigan State, holding the Spartans scoreless until Bianca Pizano scored MSU's first goal towards the end of the half. The Golden Flashes and Spartans both scored a goal in the third quarter as well. Unfortunately, Kent State came up short in the fourth quarter due to a penalty corner goal, losing 1-3.
Kent State midfielder Eva Usoz scored both of the Golden Flashes' goals last weekend. She also took two shots on goal during the Michigan State game while being a prime offensive threat for 46 minutes. Usoz's goal in the Delaware game gave Kent State a 1-0 lead before the Fightin' Blue Hens tied it with a goal of their own a minute later. Unfortunately, defensively, the Flashes came up short in the third quarter, allowing a second goal for Delaware that eventually gave the Fightin' Blue Hens the victory.
Central Michigan Scouting Report
The Chippewas come into the Kent State matchup with a 2-5 record. This will also be CMU's first conference game of the season. Central Michigan has had a tough schedule with three power conference losses, including a recent 0-5 loss against Indiana. The Chippewas pulled out their first victory of the season with a 9-0 beatdown against Mercyhurst at home. Five of their nine goals came in a dominant fourth quarter. The Mercyhurst win was the largest margin of victory for CMU since 1997. The Chippewas' most recent game ended in a 3-2 win against Saint Louis.
Sophomore forward Mora Rulli led the Chippewas offense last week with five goals, one assist and 11 total points. Rulli was named Co-Offensive MAC Player of the Week on Tuesday.
Bucknell Scouting Report
The Bison are currently 4-1 this year and have played no conference or road games yet. Bucknell won 1-0 against MAC foe Ball State but lost their most recent game 0-10 against 12th-ranked Syracuse. Bucknell will play yet another home game against American on September 18th before traveling to Kent on Sunday. Bucknell scored three goals in an impressive win against Cornell two weeks ago. Julia Corropolese, Bella Notaro and Elodie Nevitt all scored goals in the game. Corropolese leads the Bison with 14 shots. Notaro leads the team with six shots on goal, six points and two assists. Corropolese and Notaro are tied for the team lead with a pair of goals each.
Series History
Kent State has an extensive history with Central Michigan, with a 9-1 record in the last 10 matchups. The Golden Flashes have scored 95 goals in their series. Kent State has won two of three against Bucknell, scoring six goals in their last two matchups.
Up Next
Kent State continues its' homestand with another conference game vs. 6th-ranked undefeated UMass on September 25th at 2 pm.
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