The Miami University field hockey team defeated the Missouri State University (MSU) Bears 3-2 in overtime Oct. 24 to improve its conference record to 6-2 on the season.

The win against MSU keeps Miami in the running for the title in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

"It was a battle, but we found a way to win," Head Coach Jill Reeve said. "That was the objective today."

The RedHawks dominated the field offensively during the first period, making seven shots on goal while MSU made four. The Bears broke through Miami's defense and scored the first goal of the game during the 28th minute of the match. Miami continued to attack the Bears' goal until the first period ended with a score of 1-0.

The 'Hawks came back from halftime ready to fight. Within the first five minutes of the half, the offense made many goal attempts. During the sixth minute, senior Christine Brightwell landed a ball into the net with an assist from junior Amanda Seeley.

Miami didn't stop there and the offense continued to strike. Freshman Emily Gruesser scored a second goal for Miami seven minutes later with an assist from senior Mary Hull.

The Red and White did not hold the lead for long. Within two minutes, MSU struck back, tying the game back up with a score of 2-2. The RedHawks continued to shoot at the goal and put 11 shots on goal during the period. The Bears only put one shot on net during the period but stayed strong defensively, holding the Red and White off the remainder of the game and sending the match into overtime.

The overtime period did not last long. After one minute and 22 seconds of play, Brightwell scored the final goal of the match off of a penalty stroke. Miami won the match with a final score of 3-2.

The RedHawks have two remaining games in the regular season. If Miami wins the final two games, the team has the potential to claim part of the MAC title. Miami has never won the MAC crown before and is currently tied for first place in the MAC with Kent State University.

Brightwell said she believes her team can achieve the victories to round out the season.

"Jill has always told us that the test of a good team is being able to put a string of successful games back to back," Brightwell said. "If we put in the hard work and effort and play our game, no one can stop us."

The RedHawks will host Ball State University at 3 p.m. Oct. 29.