Central Michigan University Athletics
MAC Play Opens on the Road at Ball State, Miami
9/23/2011 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Watch: Field Hockey Insider with head coach Cristy Freese
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MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan kicks off Mid-American Conference play this weekend on the road at Ball State and Miami, seeking its first regular season championship since 2002.
The Chippewas (2-4) have dropped four straight contests, the latest coming Wednesday versus in-state foe Michigan State, 2-1. Senior Paulina Lee scored her first goal of the season in the Wednesday loss, while Cayleigh Immelmann moved into a tie for first on the team in points with her second assist of the season. The Maroon and Gold's Anastasia Netto ranks 26th in the nation with a goals-against average of 1.86 to lead the team's improved defense.
The Cardinals (1-6, 1-0 MAC) picked up their first win of the season Wednesday when they opened conference play versus Miami, 3-0. It was the second time this season that BSU had scored three goals in a single match and snapped a stretch in which they had been outscored, 20-1, over its last four contests. Sanne Hermans and Devanny Kuhn have each scored two goals for the Cardinals, while Haley Fustin has spent the majority of time in the cage, yielding a 5.80 goals-against average in 357:11 of play.
After hosting No. 11 Michigan Saturday, the Redhawks (2-7, 0-1 MAC) will welcome CMU Sunday for a 1 p.m. match. Olivia Miller's five goals and one assist have led MU on the season, while five players have each scored one goal apiece. Sarah Mueller has served as the Redhawks primary goalkeeper, posting a goals-against average of 2.00 in 595:00 of play.
The Chippewas are looking to start the conference season 2-0 for the first time since 2005, the season in which they won their last MAC Tournament.
Saturday's match at Ball State will begin at noon and can be followed by following the Chippewas' official twitter account, www.twitter.com/CMUFieldHockey or via live stats, provided by ballstatesports.com. Miami will also provide live stats for Sunday's match at muredhawks.com.
Game Notes
Freese Approaching 200 - Head Coach Cristy Freese is just two wins shy of 200 for her career as the head coach of the Chippewas. Freese is the program's all-time wins leader with 198 and has recorded 205 in her career, earning seven victories as the head coach of Davis & Elkins prior to joining the Maroon and Gold.
Immelmann's Immediate Impact - Freshman Cayleigh Immelmann has made an immediate impact since joining the Chippewas from Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. The freshman is tied for the team lead in goals (3), assists (2) and points (8) and has recorded at least one point in four of her first six collegiate contests.
Lee Named Boyden Award Winner - Senior Paulina Lee has been named the 31st recipient of the annual Bill Boyden Award and the first in field hockey program history. Lee is a co-captain on the squad this season and scored her first goal of the season Wednesday versus Michigan State.
In the Cage -Junior goalkeeper Anastasia Netto continues to improve in her second season as the Chippewas' starting keeper. Netto recorded her first career shutout in the team's season-opening 6-0 win over Saint Louis, has recorded a career-high six saves twice and is ranked 26th in NCAA Division I with a 1.86 goals-against average.
