Sept. 12, 2008

Final Stats

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Playing on the road in its Mid-American Conference opener, the Miami University field hockey team found a way to get off to a 1-0 start in the league, downing the Central Michigan Chippewas, 2-0, on Friday afternoon in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

"This game was a really tough match," said Miami head coach Jill Reeve. "It was difficult for both teams to get their attacking games going."

The RedHawks would eventually get their attacking game going. Sophomore midfielder Tricia Clark opened the game's scoring in the 20th minute on a penalty corner off an assist from senior back Danielle Gaynor.

"Central (Michigan) put us under pressure. For the most part, we held the fort and stayed the course until we started to make some luck for ourselves."

Miami would total 11 shots to the hosts' seven. Senior midfielder Elizabeth Gilroy would later take advantage of the RedHawks offensive edge, scoring on a breakaway in the 67th minute to give Miami some breathing room.

"We took advantage of a couple scoring opportunities and played very well defensively," Reeve continued. "Gaynor did well in the backfield, keeping people organized."

Freshman Abbey Huck recorded four saves in cage for Miami, registering her second shutout of the season.

While the Chippewas had four penalty corners to the RedHawks' three, Miami took advantage of strong play in the midfield.

"Amanda Seeley did a nice job as our attacking midfielder," ended Reeve.

The RedHawks, now 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the MAC, will face Colgate University tomorrow in a neutral site match at 1 p.m. in Mount Pleasant.