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Miami field hockey falls to Kent State

Miami sophomore midfielder/forward Geagy Pritchard attempts to get past a Northwestern defender during Miami’s 5-1 loss.
Miami sophomore midfielder/forward Geagy Pritchard attempts to get past a Northwestern defender during Miami’s 5-1 loss.

Photo by Connor Moriarty

Sadie Martinez, For The Miami Student

The Miami University women's field hockey team dropped its third straight game with 2-1 loss to Kent State University.

The RedHawks kept possession most of the game against Kent State (6-8, 3-0 Mid-American Conference), but failed to execute when they had the chance.

"I think we dominated most of the time but I think they were more effective," senior back Valentina Neira said. "They took care of their opportunities and took advantage of them more, even though we had more chances."

Valentina Neira recorded the lone RedHawk goal, her ninth of the season. Neira leads the RedHawks in points with 21.

Throughout the first half, the game was tied 0-0 with opportunities to score for both teams. The Golden Flashes took the lead near the end of the first half with a goal from senior forward Hannah Faulkner on a rebound off a penalty corner.

The RedHawks came back in the second half to tie the game 1-1. Neira scored on a penalty corner from junior midfielder Bea Dechant with 15 minutes left to play.

With nine minutes left in the game, Kent State found the back of the net for the game winner. Faulkner scored her second goal of the game, giving the Golden Flashes a 2-1 victory over the RedHawks.

Sophomore goaltender Alysa Xavier had four saves against the Golden Flashes.

"We just couldn't make it happen." Neira said. "We put up a fight but we didn't know how to execute our chances."

With senior weekend approaching, the RedHawks' seniors have only a few games left.

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"Personally I just like to focus on things in the moment," senior back Shannon Regan said. "Knowing I only have a couple games left has helped me to play the hardest every game."

The senior RedHawks have a combined for 36 points this season.

The RedHawks next game is a MAC match against Missouri State University (3-13, 0-4 MAC). Miami faces Missouri Sate 5 p.m. Friday in Missouri. The RedHawks then return home to face UC Davis noon Sunday. The game marks senior day for the 'Hawks.