Kent State’s field hockey team scored one goal in its games against No. 11 Penn State and Bucknell over the weekend in Pennsylvania.

KSU fell to 1-5 overall, extending its losing streak to three games, and is in last place in the Mid-American Conference. 

Kent State is 0-4 on the road this season. 

Friday

The Flashes were coming off a loss to UC Davis heading into the match against the No. 11 Penn State. 

PSU beat KSU in every category except for saves, leading with six compared to Penn State’s two.

With the 5-0 win, PSU extended its winning streak to three games and sits at 4-2 on the season.

After allowing one shot during the first 14 minutes of the opening quarter, the Nittany Lions took a 1-0 lead with 25 seconds remaining in the quarter.   

Both teams went scoreless in the second quarter, with junior goalkeeper Cecile van Eijck having three saves before the half. 

Penn State found another gear after halftime, scoring three goals, making the score 4-0 heading into the final quarter.

During this time, PSU attempted nine shots and was awarded three penalty corners – KSU had zero in each category. 

In the final quarter, Penn State was not done, converting on another score for a final of 5-0, shutting out the Flashes. 

This was KSU’s third shutout on the season. 

The Nittany Lions had 17 shots with 11 shots on goal; Kent State had two shots, both on goal. 

Penn State had four penalty corners, with KSU having one. 

Sunday

Different game, same story as Kent State trailed in every category except for saves (10-4) as they were defeated 2-1.

Bucknell improved to 3-3 on the season.

The Flashes opened the game with their most productive quarter of the weekend, attempting four shots, two penalty corners and van Eijck recording three saves.

However, KSU could not find the back of the net as Bucknell saved three shots, and the score was tied 0-0 after one quarter.

The Flashes got momentum early in the second quarter, going up 1-0 with a score by sophomore forward Emma Rolston. 

Van Eijck would make a save to hold the Bison scoreless, preserving the halftime lead.

It was only the second time the Flashes led at the break this season. 

The third quarter was quiet for both teams as all two shots attempted by Bucknell were saved by van Eijck.

Bucknell tied the game 1-1 with under four minutes left in the game.

After a quick change of possession, the Bisons had control of the ball and found the back of the net for the winning score of 2-1.

Bucknell totaled 17 shots with 12 on goal; KSU had seven with five on goal.

The Bisons had 13 penalty corners – Kent State had four.

Looking forward

Kent State will travel to Mount Pleasant, Michigan, to take on Central Michigan on Friday. 

This is the first MAC game for both teams. 

CMU has a 1-4 record and has been shut out in its last three games, allowing 20 goals. 

Game time is at 3 p.m.

The Flashes will return home on Sunday, taking on Michigan at noon. 

The Wolverines are 4-2 overall, with all four wins coming at home. 

UM has won four consecutive games, including wins over No. 18 Old Dominion (1-0) and No. 10 Saint Joseph’s (2-0). 

KSU has lost both of its games this season when facing off against nationally ranked opponents. 

Kyle Kuchta is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected]