FARMVILLE, Va. – The Central Michigan Field Hockey team celebrated a decisive 5-3 victory against Longwood on Friday afternoon.
Carolena Ryon was the star of the game, scoring three goals, marking her second hat trick this season and bringing her total to 10 goals. The Chippewas’ offense has been strong, achieving five or more goals in four of their last five games, all resulting in wins.
Mallory Camryn kicked off the scoring just two minutes into the match with her 15th goal of the season, giving CMU an early edge. Longwood quickly tied the game, but Ryon put CMU back in the lead with a goal midway through the second quarter.
Coach Jennifer Johnstone praised her team’s strong offensive start. “We had 14 shots and 12 were on target by halftime,” she noted. “That was a huge improvement compared to our recent games. We kept that momentum going into the second half.”
Eight minutes into the third quarter, Ryon scored again. Camryn then added another goal to stretch the lead to 4-1. Ryon completed her hat trick early in the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 5-1.
Coach Johnstone emphasized the team’s strategy to enhance their attacking game. “We wanted to involve our best attackers from the midfield. Our midfielders did an outstanding job connecting with the forwards, creating great chances,” she said.
Despite a late surge from Longwood, which scored two goals in the final minutes, CMU’s goalkeeper, Ashley Cogger, stood strong. She made 11 saves on 14 shots. “Ashley is crucial for us in goal. Not only does she make essential saves, but she also helps organize our defense,” commented Coach Johnstone.
Looking ahead, the Chippewas will face Virginia Commonwealth on Sunday, Oct. 26. This match is seen as a vital test before the conference finale against Bellarmine on Oct. 31. Coach Johnstone looks forward to the challenge: “VCU is a skilled team. We need to show up ready and maintain our attacking mindset.”
In recent years, field hockey’s popularity has surged, especially in college sports. According to the NCAA, participation in women’s field hockey has increased by 20% over the last decade. This growth reflects not just a rise in interest but also highlights the importance of teamwork and strategy in the sport.
The Chippewas’ performance is a fascinating example of how a strong offensive strategy can lead to success. With expert guidance and dedicated players, they appear to be shaping up for a promising postseason.
