Kent State soccer will face top-seeded Miami at 11 a.m. Friday for a spot in the Mid-American Conference final.

This is the fourth time in program history and the first time since 2006 that Kent has participated in the semifinal match.

“It’s an awesome feeling to finally get back to the semifinals,” said senior midfielder Sara Henderson. “I am so proud of my team and the passion that we [have] for the game. I know this team is capable of a lot.”

The Flashes (13-4-2) defeated Ball State with a 4-0 shutout last Sunday of the MAC Tournament. This was their ninth shutout of the season. Kent took 14 shots with 8 on goal.

Miami played Ohio in the semifinals and defeated them 1-0. The Red Hawks scored early in the first half on a long throw into the box where it was shot 10 yards out. Miami took at total of 30 shots with 16 on goal.

“We need to play our game,” head coach Rob Marinaro said. “We need to play very well and keep up this type of intensity and you’re in the play offs now. It’s a 90 minute game and we need to do our best.”

The Flashes faced the Red Hawks during the regular MAC play and lost 4-2.

Junior defender Morgan Mah said that for the team to win, they will have to keep playing sharp and keep a positive mentality.

Junior forward Jaclyn Dutton and sophomore forward Stephanie Haugh are the only two players to reach over 20 points in one season in program history.

“I think we really need to focus on playing our game and making them play to us,” Henderson said. “We need to go into the game with a lot of confidence.”

Contact Erika Brun at [email protected].