The Kent State field hockey team has taken this week to get ready for a match with the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines this Sunday.

After losing both of their previous games, 4-3, in overtime, the Flashes (2-4) are putting all their focus into beating Michigan this Sunday at Murphy-Mellis Field.

Kent State field hockey coach Kathleen Wiler told the team not to dwell on the disappointing overtime losses and that previous games are something to learn from and build on.

“We are very proud of the way the team has played, and we want them to keep working hard every week,” Wiler said.

With all of the effort the women have put in this week, Wiler said they are up to the challenge of facing a powerhouse Big 10 opponent like Michigan. The Flashes will look to rely on their speed as they hope to upset the Wolverines.

“We have a lot of speed and a lot of athleticism on this team that can help us win — we just need to take advantage of that,” Wiler said.

That speed and athleticism will emanate from freshman Ines Delpech and senior Hannah Faulkner, as they both look to build on their prior two-goal performances.

“It’s very important for us to go out and win this weekend, especially because it’s against a ranked opponent,” Delpech said. “We just need to play together.”

Faulkner addressed that the Flashes’ offensive attack will prove just as crucial as the team’s speed this weekend.

“We need to be really aggressive in our attacking circle with our forwards and get some goals to help our defense,” Faulkner said. 

An upset victory over Michigan would be a great way to cap the Flashes’ current three-game home stand before hitting the road next weekend to take on Temple and Drexel universities in Philadelphia.

Sunday’s match is set to begin at noon.

Game Notes:

This past Saturday against Michigan State, freshman Ines Delpech scored her first two career goals for Kent State.

Contact Ricky Salcer at [email protected].