Central Michigan University Athletics
CMU Drops MAC Field Hockey Opener
9/25/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
FARMVILLE, Va. - Down a goal at halftime, the Central Michigan field hockey was within striking distance in its Mid-American Conference opener Friday at Longwood.
Unfortunately, the Chippewas couldn't maintain in the final 35 minutes as they fell, 5-2, slipping to 0-8 on the season. Longwood is 3-4, 1-1 MAC.
"Inconsistent," said CMU coach Molly Pelowski, whose team was coming off a 2-1 overtime loss a week ago to UC Davis. "Not our best game. We had a nice showing against UC Davis, and the second half today just didn't have it."
The Chippewas were outshot, 12-6, in the second half as Longwood finished with 17-12 advantage in shots. The Chippewas held a 9-5 edge in penalty corners, but the teams were an even 4-4 in that category in the second half.
Maude Stalars and Kaysie Gregory scored for CMU. It was Stalars' second goal of the season, and Gregory's team-leading sixth. Olivia Wagner and Kianne Hinkle each drew an assist on Stalars' goal, which came at the 18-minute, 29-second mark.
Gregory's goal, unassisted, came with less than six minutes remaining in the first half, and it pulled to CMU to within 3-2.
Jennifer Burris scored her second goal less than six minutes into the second half, and the Lancers added an insurance goal with less than two minutes remaining.
"I think the early goal early in the second half kind of took the wind out of our sails," Pelowski said. "We had clawed our way back to make it a one-goal game. (Longwood's) Edel Nyland (one goal, one assist), she gave us some headaches in the backfield. To her credit, she played well. We weren't able to neutralize her.
"We had close opportunities several times and couldn't get the ball in the net."
Sadie Lynn Reynolds made seven saves in goal for the Chippewas, who play three home games next week, beginning with a non-leaguer against Pacific on Thursday at 3 p.m. On Friday, the Chippewas entertain Ohio (3 p.m.) and on Sunday play host to Kent State (noon). The Ohio and Kent State games are MAC contests.
