Field Hockey season ends after loss at No. 3 Michigan

Miami field hockey’s season finally came to an end Friday with a loss at Michigan in the NCAA Tournament.

The team struck out to an early 2-0 lead. Senior forward Lexie Nugent scored after a pass from senior midfielder Morgan Sturm two and a half minutes into the game.

Then, later in the first quarter, sophomore striker Paula Peña drove a shot into the net off an assist from sophomore striker Claudia Negrete Garcia.

Just over a minute into the second quarter, Michigan cut the RedHawk lead to one after three straight penalty corners.

Miami still led 2-1 after the third quarter, but Michigan held the advantage in shots 18-6.

The RedHawks nearly held on. But with one minute left in the game, senior Michigan forward Katie Anderson found a loose ball in the scoring circle and swatted it into Miami’s net.

Michigan scored the game winner on a penalty corner attempt with two minutes remaining in regulation. Senior midfielder Sofia Southam grabbed the inserting pass at the top of the circle and took a step forward before firing the ball into the net.

Miami finishes the season 12-11. The RedHawks had an impressive season, especially later in their schedule when they won their fifth-straight Mid-American Conference Championship, and a first round NCAA tournament game against Maine.

@jacksmerz

schmelj2@miamioh.edu