Sports

Ohio Field Hockey comes up short vs Kent State in overtime thriller

By: TJ Sweeney
Posted on: Sunday, October 20, 2024

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Ohio Field Hockey (5-9, 2-4 MAC) welcomed the Kent State Golden Flashes (5-10, 4-2 MAC) for a classic MAC matchup. In an overtime thriller, the Flashes prevail and win 2-1.  

In the first period, both teams displayed strong defense coming up with respective penalty corner stops. Back, Anouk Plaehn led the Bobcats defensively as she commanded the defense and made crucial plays all game. The first period showcased how evenly matched these two teams were, as most of the battle was in the midfield. Both teams protected their net in the first period, allowing them to head into the second period 0-0.  

Early in the second, Ohio was looking to make something happen as they drove down the field and Natalie LaFleur tapped in the first goal of the game. However, this goal would be taken back because of a foot violation. The Bobcats were able to apply strong offensive pressure and get two more shots off in the second period. However, Kent’s shots proved to be more effective. The Flashes were able to score in the last second of the first half as Agustina Florio found herself unmarked in front of the net. Florio was assisted by Maybritt Duwel to put the Flashes up 1-0.  

At halftime, Head Coach Ali Johnstone didn’t even need to hype up her players. Johnstone noted that, “I honestly didn’t have to say anything to them, they were fired up, especially considering the called back goal.”  

The Bobcats responded strongly in the third period. After defending two penalty corners, the Bobcats are on the attack. They earn a penalty corner of their own which will be stifled by the Flashes, but the Bobcats earn another one in the process. This time, Ohio’s Bohdi Littlefield rifles the ball into the back of the net with 7:43 remaining in the third period. The Bobcats still had a lot of work to do in the third period as Kent would put up five shots, forcing Ohio goalie Macy Lotze to make two saves.  

Entering the fourth period, Kent looked to amp it up offensively and the Bobcats were able to stay strong. Lotze came up with an additional four saves in the fourth to bring her tally to eight on the day. Both teams played well in the fourth to force overtime.  

In overtime, the first goal wins the game. Early in the period, Ohio earned a penalty corner and Kent’s goalie, Lieve Jansen made a huge block. Jansen’s block allowed the Flashes to zoom down the field as Arden Goddard-Despot flings the ball down the field and Eva Usoz chases it down and scores from a near impossible angle to win the game for Kent.  

Despite the outcome, Johnstone was very proud of her players, reminding them to, “make sure they don’t beat themselves up, because obviously it was a good game, we went to overtime so I’m more proud of them for how they played.” 

The Bobcats continue MAC play Friday as they travel to Muncie to take on the Ball State Cardinals. The Golden Flashes host the Bellarmine Knights on Friday as they look to keep good MAC form.