Chippewa Offense Explodes In 21-5 Win

Saturday, April 20

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

11:00 a.m. ET

Central Michigan University

Kent State

Photo by: Benjamin Suddendorf

4/20/2019 2:41:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score Photo Gallery

CMU looks to home finale next week

By: Nick Vuylsteke, CMUChippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Five Chippewas recorded hat tricks on Saturday as the Central Michigan lacrosse team posted a season-high in goals in downing Kent State, 21-5, in a nonconference game at the CMU Lacrosse/Soccer Complex.

The victory came two days after a 13-7 home loss to Coastal Carolina, and the goal total is the second-highest in program history behind the 23 CMU scored against Delaware State on April 21, 2017.

The Chippewas scored on 75 percent of their shots (21 of 28), a program best. CMU's previous best shooting day, by percentage, came on May 1, 2016, when it finished at 72 percent (8 of 11) against Old Dominion.

"Our biggest focus coming out of Costal Carolina was to move a little more, create some more of that space, and most importantly, get our hands free to finish those shots," CMU coach Sara Tisdale said. "Going back to watching film against Coastal Carolina, they were playing within their frame and they weren't getting anything behind their shots. The key is to shoot across your body, through your body and that gives you that torque behind the ball."

CMU improves to 7-9 and closes the regular season on Saturday, April 27 (noon) at home against Detroit Mercy in a Southern Conference game.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Jocelyne Lemay, Jessica Schuchardt, Shannon Doyle, Natalie Karlen and Emma Hamilton each had a hat trick for the Chippewas, who raced to a 9-0 lead and led 13-3 at halftime.

Schuchardt had a team-high four assists to finish with seven points.

"I think what we worked on a lot this week, even after (the loss to Coastal Carolina), was making sure that our shot placement was where it needed to be," Hamilton said. "I think we had a lot of good looks from athletes that normally don't get to play, so that was awesome.

"Give some credit to Kent State, they've gotten a couple of nice offensive players who will develop nicely as a few years go on. From a defensive perspective, when we were on our marks, we were very good. We definitely could have picked up some ground balls, and cleaned some things up. It's tough when a team does uncharacteristic things compared the way that we want to play. … If we clean up the fouls, I think we'll be in a good spot."

IN GOAL
Dominique Hamman started in goal for the Chippewas, earning the victory. Clare Laughery and Hope Murray played in relief. The trio combined to register seven saves.

SENIORS
The Chippewas will celebrate Senior Day on Saturday against Detroit Mercy. It is a hallmark day for the program as this year's group of seniors comprised the program's first freshman class four years ago.

"We know we've beaten some teams, like Marquette and Cincinnati, who we haven't beaten before (this season)," Hamilton said. "So we know we can beat Detroit for the first time. We have to make sure that we have a lot of good preparation next week; watching a lot of film, and focusing on us."