Field Hockey Sends Seniors Out With A Win

Saturday, October 30

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Noon

Central Michigan University

(4-13, 2-6MAC)

Appalachian State

(7-8, 3-5MAC)

App State

Central Michigan

Photo by: Keara Chaperon '22

10/30/2021 3:00:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score Photo Gallery Photo Gallery 2

By: Julia Bice, CMUChippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Kate Biglin's second-quarter goal was the difference as Central Michigan closes the 2021 field hockey season with a 2-1 nonconference victory over Appalachian State at Cristy Freese Field.

The Chippewas finished 4-13; Appalachian State is 7-8.

How it Happened
Lauren Buffington scored four minutes into the game, assisted by Alice O'Hagan on a penalty corner, to put the Chippewa up, 1-0.

Appalachian State responded with a goal 4 minutes later to tie it.

Biglin's go-ahead goal was assisted by Rachel Ruttenberg.

"I think we are a first-half team, at least we have been the second half of the season and if you can put a goal in first, all of the sudden you can take a deep breath," CMU coach Catherine Ostoich said. "At that point you are not trying to play catchup; we set the tone well."

The Chippewas finished with a 9-8 advantage in shots; the Mountaineers held a 6-5 edge in shots on goal.

CMU goalkeeper Katie Maxim made five saves.

Senior Day Celebration
Being the final game of the season, the Chippewas celebrated the four seniors -- Grace Gagliardi, Avery Periard, Allaura Bohan and Alli Huddleson -- who played their final game in a Chippewa uniform.

"It is tough when you are not playing to go on, you are playing for the seniors and the rest of the team," said Ostoich, whose team was eliminated from a Mid-American Conference Tournament spot earlier this season. "We talk a lot about, 'Let's play for each other' and that is harder said than done. It was really awesome today to see everyone step up and play for the seniors."

"It has been incredible to see and watch their growth through the program. Seeing them buy in and help develop this team moving forward; they have done a really good job both on and off the field here. This group was a big push for the mental health of the team, they blazed the trail for that and that is going to be helpful moving forward with our team and program."