After quiet performances last week, the Kent State field hockey team’s offense dominated against Bellarmine University. 

Kent State’s 5-0 victory improved its record to 6-4 overall and 2-1 in the Mid-American Conference. Bellarmine falls to 1-9 overall and 0-2 in the MAC. 

The Flashes move into a tie with Longwood University for second place in the MAC. The University of Miami is in first with a 3-1 conference record.

Last weekend KSU managed only one goal in two losses, though the Flashes took then-No. 1 Michigan to the fourth quarter before falling 2-1.

Coach Kyle DeSandes-Moyer felt the team is right where it needs to be.

“It was good confidence,” DeSandes-Moyer said. “I’m happy to have the offensive production, which is good going into Friday.”

The No. 24 Flashes unleashed the scoring after a slow first period.

Just over seven minutes into the second period, freshman forward Jersey Hasenbos scored her first goal of the year. About seven minutes later, junior Maria Cambra Soler scored off an assist from her sister, Helena Cambra Soler. 

Then just 22 seconds into the third period, Hasenbos scored again off an assist from sophomore Katie Wuerstle. Seven minutes later, Maria Cambra scored her second goal of the game with assists from fifth-year Ashley Bonetz and sophomore Jenna McCrudden. 

Early in the fourth period, freshman midfielder Madison Leety scored her first goal of the season to close out KSU’s scoring with an assist from senior midfielder Clara Rodriguez Seto. 

Coach DeSandes-Moyer was happy about Hasenbos’ performance.

“We were excited for her to put two in the goal,” DeSandes-Moyer said. “We’ve been waiting for her to come alive and were excited for her to finish as a freshman.”

KSU outshot Bellarmine 24-9 and 14-5 in shots on goal. The Flashes had 10 penalty corners to Bellarmine’s five. 

Coach DeSandes-Moyer said her team’s success came from sticking to the game plan. 

“Sticking to our identity was what we talked about before the game,” she said. “Starting strong, moving the ball quickly and finishing in the circle.”

Bellarmine has yet to score against the Flashes in its three games against them. Bellarmine joined the MAC in field hockey last season.

Freshman goaltender Cecile van Eijck got her first career start at Kent State. She had five saves on nine shots. 

Kent State will look to take sole possession of second place when Longwood travels to Kent on Friday. 

Jacob Hansen is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].