Kent State’s women’s field hockey team (9-6) lost 5-0 on the road against #10 Northwestern University (12-5) on Sunday.

The Flashes’ offense was held to just one lone shot in the fourth period taken by freshman forward Sydney Washburn. 

“We played the number 10 team in the country and they were a very strong opponent,” coach Kyle Desandes-Moyer said. “We also struggled a bit to possess the ball and attack with numbers.”

Kent’s defense got off to a rough start with Northwestern scoring three goals in the first half on 12 shots. 

Northwestern’s first goal came in the first period by freshman midfielder/back Alia Marshall and the second and third goals both in the second period by redshirt freshman forward Bente Baekers and junior forward/midfielder Mackenzie Keegan.

“This was a good opportunity for us to play a high level opponent before we get another conference game in,” Desandes-Moyer said.

The Flashes cleaned up its defense in the second half only allowing six total shots and giving up two goals. 

“We were a little bit more disciplined in the second half for sure,” Desandes-Moyer said. 

Northwestern’s fourth and fifth goals were scored by redshirt freshman forward Bente Baekers (3) in the third and fourth periods. 

Kent’s senior goalie Mary Crumlish allowed three goals and had five saves on 12 shots faced in the first half while junior goalie Azure Fernsler gave up two goals and had one save on six shots faced in the second half.

“This game was a good opportunity for us to learn and grow and we do that by getting opportunities to play teams that are better than us,” Desandes-Moyer said. “On Friday, we will be looking for them to play at a high level themselves and set the tone and play with a lot of ball speed.”

The Flashes will look to bounce back on the road Friday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. against Mid-American Conference opponent Appalachian State University (9-5).

 Contact Kathryn at [email protected]