Kent State women’s lacrosse opponents have controlled the draw and forced turnovers all season. Friday’s game against Cincinnati was no different. Losing 17-11. 

The Flashes committed 139 turnovers and only won 46 percent of the draws on the year. Against the Bearcats, they had 19 turnovers and lost the draw 19-12.

Coach Brianne Tierney said success comes when we clean that part of the game up.

“We have got to find a way to get more consistent at the draw and limit our turnovers,” Tierney said. “Possessions are so essential, and when we control the tempo of the game is when we have the most success.”

KSU falls to 2-5. Cincinnati improves to 2-4.

Cincinnati applied pressure to the Kent State offense early, and it forced four turnovers in the first quarter.

“We were feeling that pressure individually, and instead of sharing the ball, we were putting all of that pressure on one or two players to advance the ball down the field,” Tierney said. “We could have continued to get free position shots if we just moved the ball and spread them out, but tired legs and that kind of pressure will do that to you.”

Friday was KSU’s fifth game in 12 days. It will now have five days off before the next game.

“A huge weekend of rest and recovery for everyone before our next game, and I hope everyone uses this time off wisely,” Tierney said.

Cincinnati started the second half with a goal to bring its lead to three. The Flashes responded with two goals, but the Bearcats scored twice with 0:40 to go into the fourth quarter with a 12-9 lead.

Junior attacker Kenize Sklar started the scoring in the fourth quarter, but Cincinnati responded with five straight goals ending all hope for KSU.

“Every game we have that one quarter that gets away from us,” Tierney said. “I thought the momentum we had built throughout the game was going to carry into the fourth tonight.”

Tierney said she wants to see her offense settle the ball to give the defense rest.

“Spreading the other team out and keeping the ball moving to wear them down for the first 50 seconds of the possession clock,” she said. “Giving our defense some rest because when we go down the field and take a bad shot in the first 30 seconds isn’t helping out anyone. Right now, it’s one or the other, and we need to find the middle ground.”

Sophomore attacker Jackie Wolford, Sklar and senior midfielder Abby Jones each scored three times for the Flashes.

KSU had 19 shots, with 15 on goal; Cincinnati had 42 shots, with 28 on goal.

Kent State (0-2 Mid-American Conference) will be back on the road taking on Central Michigan (3-2, 1-0 MAC) at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 3.

“We have a good record on the road, and I’m hoping another road trip will do us well,” Tierney said. “I don’t think today’s game showed how well we can play, but instead showed bursts of how good we are. Thursday has a chance to be a really good showing for us.”

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