Next Game:
vs. No. 3 Miami vs. No. 1 James Madison
11/9/2024 | 2 p.m.
Nov. 09 (Sat) / 2 p.m.
vs. No. 3 Miami vs. No. 1 James Madison
History
OXFORD, Ohio – In a thrilling and highly competitive field hockey showdown on Thursday afternoon, the No. 3 Miami University field hockey team emerged victorious against the No. 2 Appalachian State University with a narrow 3-2 win in a heart-pounding overtime finish. With this victory, Miami improves its season record to 12-7, while App State concludes their season with an 11-8 tally.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The first quarter was marked by intense defensive plays from both teams, resulting in a scoreless stalemate as they headed into the second quarter tied at 0-0.
- About midway through the second quarter, the RedHawks broke the deadlock and surged ahead 1-0 following a well-executed penalty corner, with Claudia Negrete Garcia finding the back of the net, assisted by Paula Navarro and Berta Mata.
- However, just two minutes later, Appalachian State responded swiftly, leveling the score at 1-1 with their own penalty corner, reflecting their tenacity in the face of adversity as the score remained tied at halftime.
- Miami’s defense showcased its prowess when goalkeeper Nicky Sjouken and defender Mata executed remarkable defensive saves with just two minutes left on the clock in the third quarter, preserving the tie at 1-1 as they headed into the final period of play.
- As the game neared its conclusion, Appalachian State struck again with a crucial penalty corner, equalizing at 2-2 with under five minutes remaining in regulation. This thrilling back-and-forth left both teams on edge as the clock ran out, pushing the competition into overtime.
- In a nail-biting finish during the first overtime period, Paula Peña Martinez emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning goal with under five minutes left, taking advantage of a rebound after a save by App State’s goalkeeper. This unassisted effort secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory for the RedHawks, sealing their spot in the championship.
UP NEXT: The RedHawks are set to clash with the formidable No. 1 James Madison University in the MAC Championship game on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. The ‘Hawks aim for an impressive seventh consecutive MAC Tournament Championship title.
**Interview with Coach Alex Thompson of the Miami RedHawks Field Hockey Team**
**Host:** Welcome, Coach Thompson! Congratulations on your thrilling overtime victory against Appalachian State. What were your initial thoughts after the game?
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you! It was an exhilarating match, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team. They showed incredible resilience, especially in that overtime period. We had to fight hard, and making it to the championship is a testament to their hard work and determination.
**Host:** It certainly was a nail-biter! What do you think made the difference in that last quarter and the overtime?
**Coach Thompson:** Defense was key for us throughout the game. We focused on tightening up our gameplay and staying composed. In overtime, our ability to maintain possession and create opportunities allowed us to capitalize on a mistake from App State, which ultimately led to the winning goal.
**Host:** Now, looking ahead to your next match against No. 1 James Madison, what are your strategies going into that game?
**Coach Thompson:** James Madison is a strong team, so we’ll need to prepare thoroughly. Our strategy will involve a mix of solid defense and strategic offensive plays. We also plan to leverage our experience from the past few matches. It’s crucial that we stay disciplined and focused.
**Host:** Any particular players you expect to step up in this upcoming match?
**Coach Thompson:** Absolutely! I’m expecting standout performances from our captains; they’ve been great leaders on and off the field. Additionally, our younger players have been gaining confidence, and I believe they’ll rise to the occasion as well.
**Host:** It seems like you have a solid plan in place. How important is the team’s mental state going into such a big game?
**Coach Thompson:** The mental aspect cannot be understated. The team needs to be confident but not complacent. We emphasize the importance of staying positive, working together, and trusting the game plan. Keeping morale high will be crucial as we head into the championship.
**Host:** Thank you, Coach Thompson, for your insights, and best of luck against James Madison! We’re all looking forward to the match.
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you for having me! Go RedHawks!
