Established 1826 — Oldest College Newspaper West of the Alleghenies

'Hawks beat first MAC opponent, fall to No. 3 UNC

By Bryan Wills, The Miami Student

Miami University field hockey earned their first Mid-American Conference win on the road this weekend with a 2-1 victory against Longwood University (2-4).

The first half was scoreless, but the RedHawks held the edge in shot attempts (9-5) and corners (7-2).

Sophomore midfielder/forward Geagy Pritchard scored the first goal of the game 43 seconds into the second half. It was her third goal of the season. Senior midfielder Bea Dechant scored her second goal of the season at the 58:27 mark on an assist from freshman midfielder Ashley Laskowitz.

After the victory, the 'Hawks (5-4) focused their attention on No. 3 University of North Carolina (7-1). The Tar Heels were the third top-ranked team MU has faced this season, and they defeated Miami 3-0 Sunday afternoon.

UNC entered halftime with a 2-0 lead. It marked the first time this season the RedHawks surrendered a first half score. Senior midfielder Emily Wold scored the first goal, and freshman forward Malin Evert scored the second.

Freshman midfielder Ashley Hoffman added an insurance goal in the 46th minute. All three goals UNC goals were assisted.

"We looked at the game as another opportunity to grow together," said senior Bea Dechant. "We worked to stay in the play and challenge their possession."

Miami had one penalty corner to North Carolina's nine. MU was also outshot 30-6.

Junior goalkeeper Alysa Xavier played all 70 minutes and made a season-high 11 saves for Miami. After eight saves Friday, she has a .833 save percentage and .500 record on the season.

"We fought hard and worked to control what we could control," said head coach Inako Puzo. "It was a great opportunity for us to execute our game plan, which for the most part we did."

The RedHawks look forward to a six-game home stand this upcoming week. Two of the upcoming opponents, Missouri State University and Ball State University, are conference teams.

Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter

Ohio State University visits Oxford Wednesday to begin the six-game home stretch.