Kent State University Women’s Field Hockey (1-2) lost it’s first road game of the season Wednesday against the University of Louisville (3-0) by a score of 4-2.

Louisville is ranked 12th in the country by the NCAA, and boasts a perfect record early in the season. 

“It’s always a great day when we can play a ranked opponent and play at a high level of field hockey,” coach Kyle Desandes-Moyer said. “Having a strong strength of schedule helps prepare us for the opponents that we’re going to see throughout the season in MAC play.”

Kent allowed two goals and did not take a single shot in the first quarter. Louisville had three shots and two goals. 

“We just didn’t show up and play Kent State Field Hockey in the first half, so we went in and made some adjustments at halftime and that certainly helped a little bit,” said Desandes-Moyer. “I don’t think we were ready to go when the whistle blew.”

Louisville’s two goals were scored by senior forward/midfielder Bethany Russ and junior forward Madison Walsh. The Cardinals two other goals came in the second and third periods and were scored by freshman forward Margot Lawn and senior forward/midfielder Bethany Russ (2).

Kent State’s two goals were scored in the fourth period by junior back/midfielder Clara Rodriguez Seto and senior forward Laila Richter.

“The biggest thing that we talked about in the locker room after the game was that we have to show up for 60 minutes from when the whistle blows and play our game for a full four quarters,” said Desandes-Moyer.

The Flashes junior goalie Azure Fernsler, who has started all three games for the Flashes, recorded two saves on the afternoon.

The Flashes look to rebound Friday when they take on Temple University (2-0) at 11 a.m. at Murphy-Mellis Field. On Sunday, they face the University of Maine.

Kathryn Rajnicek is a sports reporter. Contact her at [email protected].