Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Kent State
Field Hockey Wins Thriller in Double OT
10/11/2002 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 11, 2002
Mount Pleasant - The Central Michigan University field hockey team (10-4, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) has been knocking on the door of national recognition all season long, and with a double overtime, 2-1 victory over No. 7 (National Field Hockey Coaches poll) Kent State on Friday afternoon, it has busted the door wide open.
The Chippewas move into a first-place tie with Louisville in the MAC standings, and should take a giant leap in next weeks national poll.
Kristy Reed (South Wales, N.Y./So.) scored the game winning goal on a breakaway with less than four minutes to play in the second overtime to give the Chippewas the upset win.
Maria Neiswender (Hummelstown, Pa./Sr.) gave the Chippewas the lead early in the game on the Chippewas only shot of the first half. She slid the ball past the Golden Flashes' goaltender on a penalty corner with assists from Michelle Fogle (Columbus, Ohio/So.) and Jeanette Spero (Shoreham, N.Y./Sr.).
KSU's Gillian Wladichuk tied the game at one at the 45:22 mark.
After Wladichuk's goal, the game went scoreles for 46 minutes, through the second half and nearly two full overtimes, before Reed ended it.
The Chippewas were playing with an extra player for most of the second overtime due to a Kent State red card with under 13 minutes left.
With the one-player advantage, the Chippewas gave up a penalty shot to Rebecca Rahaim with seven minutes left in the second extra session. CMU netminder Janel Spero (Shoreham, N.Y./Sr.) made a diving save to her right to keep the game going.
Spero made four saves and allowed only one goal in earning her 10th win of the season.
It is the first time the Chippewas have won 10 games since the 1997 squad finished 10-11. The most wins ever for CMU, since joining the MAC, was 16 in 1985. The Chippewas have six games left this season.
CMU puts its three-game winning streak on the line Friday, October 18, against Big Ten foe Northwestern. Game time is set for 2 p.m., inside Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
