The Miami University field hockey team entered the regular season's final quarter this Tuesday against the Ohio State University Buckeyes, playing for their sixth win and one not easily earned.
"As a senior, it's my goal to show the underclassman what it looks like to work hard and feels like to practice the way you play," senior midfielder Amanda Seeley said. "We need to challenge each other in practice so on game day we put out the performance that gets us the W."
The young Red and White squad tested their unwavering will to work against one of the nation's elite teams, maintaining a 1-1 tie into the early second half. However, Miami failed to break the stalemate and allowed a one-timed goal to Ohio State's Danica Deckard in the 53rd minute. The Buckeyes held off the RedHawks for the remainder of the game.
Ohio State outshot Miami 15-5 and Miami goaltender Emily Mueller recorded six saves. Scoring in the 52nd minute for Miami was Seeley, tipping in her own rebound past Buckeye goaltender Ally Tunitis.
The Buckeyes, ranked at No. 18 in the country, returned to the field in Oxford after a double overtime loss to rival Michigan State University.
An hour north of East Lansing, the RedHawks also lost in Michigan over the weekend, falling to Central Michigan University, 3 – 2.
Miami scored two early goals in the effort, however, they fell victim to the Chippewas' Cayleigh Immelmann's two second half goals. In the match's final minutes, Central Michigan closed the victory with a rebounded goal by Erin Dye.
Senior Jackie Nguyen and sophomore Emily Gruesser scored for the 'Hawks, both tallying their season's third goals. Nguyen, in the fifth minute, connected on a feed by Olivia Miller, chipping the cross over the goaltender's right side. Four minutes later, Gruesser, unassisted, squeezed the ball just inside of the goalpost from the middle of the circle.
Repeating head coach Inako Puzo's message, Seeley affirms the team's success with defeat in the rearview.
"Inaco has been stressing the same thing all season: ‘the performance is more important that the out come,'" Seeley said. "We have made strides in our game knowledge and performances since the first game, and we are building our strong foundation now so that in the coming years there is a solid place for our team to rest on."
As Miami faces the season's final three games, Seeley keeps it simple.
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"We have to focus on basic skills, executing set plays, and enjoy doing it," she said.
Miami returns to Mid American Conference play this Saturday at 1 p.m. in Oxford versus Ohio University, ranked No. 32 in the nation.
Miami, after dropping the season series' first game, 2 – 0, looks to hand the Bobcats their first in-conference loss this time around.
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