Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Fall to 20th-Ranked Iowa in Field Hockey
10/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- One of the preseason goals of coach Molly Pelowski's Central Michigan field hockey team was beat a ranked opponent.
For a long time on Sunday, it looked possible.
The Chippewas gave 20th-ranked Iowa all it could handle before succumbing, 4-1, at the CMU Field Hockey Complex. CMU's Elaine Materise scored her first goal of the season, unassisted, in the 50th minute to tie it 1-1.
"I couldn't be more proud and happy with their performance today," Pelowski said. "Our passing game was the best it's been all season. We were making the adjustments in practice and we're seeing them on the field. Happy and excited about where we're going."
The Chippewas (0-12) return to Mid-American Conference play on Friday when they entertain Missouri State (5-9). The Chippewas are 0-3 in the league, Missouri State is 2-1. CMU plays host to Michigan in a non-league game on Sunday.
"We still have a chance for what we hope to accomplish this season," Pelowski said. "It's a focused effort. It's not just showing up and running. We're thinking hockey, we're making great decisions on the field, and we're trusting the decisions that we're making.
"They looked like a new team today. They're still the same wonderful young ladies that I've been coaching all year but today we just put it together."
Iowa (8-6) outshot the Chippewas, 16-5, and held a 9-3 edge in penalty corners. Chandler Ackers had two goals and an assist for the Hawkeyes.
Central Michigan goalkeeper Sadie Lynn Reynolds made five saves.
The Chippewas played three games in four days last weekend, finishing the trio of matches with a 1-0 loss to Kent State. The Chippewas turned in what Pelowski said was one of their best efforts of the season.
Sunday's effort against Iowa was encouraging, Pelowski said, as the Chippewas set their sights on earning a MAC Tournament berth. In order to do that, they very likely will have to win their remaining three conference games.
CMU hosts the tourney Nov. 6-7.
"We had some key practices this week that made a big difference for us in terms of our execution," Pelowski said. "Now it's go time. There is no return for us. We have to get it done now. If we want to have any chance of playing on our own field in November, we have to win. And we're playing our best hockey which makes us very dangerous."
