The Kent State field hockey season began this past weekend with losses to both Rutgers (2-0) and Monmouth (2-0).

The Flashes (0-2) gave up their season opener to the Scarlet Knights with a final score of 4-1.

On Friday, the Flashes managed to not only outshoot Rutgers (14-11), but they also recorded more penalty corners (5-4). It was all for nothing though, because Rutgers goalie Gianna Glatz saved seven of the Flashes’ shots.

Sophomore Austyn Cueno jump started Rutgers offense 14 minutes into the first-half when she scored on a penalty stroke to give the Scarlet Knights a 1-0 lead. Cueno would add two more goals in the second half for a hat trick.

The Flashes lone goal came in the 51st minute when senior Silvia Figa Malgosa redirected a shot in the air to find the back of the net.

Kent State tried to recover from the loss when they took on Monmouth (2-0) on Sunday, but found more of the same struggles, as the Hawks scored four early goals that proved to be too much for the Flashes, as they fell 5-1.

Four different players scored the early goals for the Hawks, with senior Rachel Konowal and junior Georgia Garden Bachop leading the way with four points each.  

The Flashes lone goal came from junior Helen Harper, who scored in the 32nd minute on an assist from senior Alison Harmatz.

The Flashes will be back in action when they take on Saint Francis in Loretto, Pennsylvania, on Friday, Sept. 1.

Henry Palattella is the sports editor. Contact him at [email protected].