Central Michigan University Athletics
Field Hockey Heads to Show Me State for 2
10/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Zach Libby, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Central Michigan field hockey coach Molly Pelowski considers the timing of the team's third straight weekend road trip to be crucial, as a way to avoid any distractions or setbacks.
Getting away from home has brought forward the opportunity to further develop a young roster that features just one senior. And after suffering defeats to three ranked opponents in the last month, having even-level competition will be vital for CMU in the Mid-American Conference standings.
Central Michigan (1-12, 0-3) goes to Missouri State on Saturday (noon) for a MAC game, then visits Saint Louis on Sunday (4 p.m.) for a non-conference game.
"This is a very important business trip for us," Pelowski said. "We need to come away with obviously a conference win and since we're playing two teams that are in our RPI range so it's time for us to show our character."
CMU is coming off a 1-0 loss last weekend to UC Davis which came two days after an 11-0 defeat to No. 16 Iowa. The Chippewas have lost nine straight games, with their lone win coming on Sept. 3 at home against Quinnipiac.
Missouri State is fighting to end a losing streak of their own, with five straight defeats since Sept. 22. The Bears, according to Pelowski, are like looking at the mirror with a little bit of international flavor on their roster.
Missouri State ranks second in the MAC behind Central Michigan in saves made per game (seven), third in total saves (70) and fourth in goals allowed (3.30 per game). St. Louis is winless (0-3) in the Atlantic 10 Conference and 1-9 overall with its only win coming against Missouri State on Sept. 11.
"From a scouting report standpoint, it's going to come down to execution," Pelowski said. "We need to do specific things in order to put the ball in the back of the net. We've been doing that in practice this week, but all of that goes out the window when the whistle blows on Saturday."
Pelowski is expecting hefty offensive production from the forwards, specifically juniors Catherine Schneider and Emily Barber and sophomore Grace Forthaus. The trio has combined for 36 shots, four goals and 10 points.
Forthaus is also a native of St. Louis and is excited to making a statement in her home state.
"Katherine is the kid on our squad who will dive for the ball and she's due," Pelowski said. "Emily has had a solid week of practice and Grace is ready to give her hometown a show. Our attack up front will be ready."
