University of Louisville
Central Michigan
Field Hockey Defeats Central Michigan 1-0 in MAC Semifinals
November 08, 2003 | Field Hockey
Nov. 8, 2003
KENT, Ohio. - - The University of Louisville field hockey team defeated Central Michigan 1-0 in the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference tournament. The win places the Cardinals in the finals of the MAC championship for the first time in program history.
The teams played a scoreless first half with the Chippewas holding a 6-5 edge in shots and Louisville with a 3-2 penalty corner advantage. U of L goalkeeper Christy Hershey posted four saves while CMU goalie Danielle Frank had one in the first half.
Freshman Jessica Javelet put the Cards on the board less than six minutes into the second half when she connected on an assist from senior Desire' Miller to give Louisville a 1-0 lead.
The goal would prove to be the only one U of L would need to win the game, but the teams fought evenly throughout the second half with eight shots and four penalty corners each.
The Chippewas had a chance to tie the game when Tarah Trottier broke away and had a one-on-one opportunity in the circle, but Louisville senior goalkeeper Christy Hershey showed why she was voted MAC Player of the Year with a save to give the Cards the 1-0 win.
Central Michigan held a 14-13 edge in shots, while Louisville had a 7-6 penalty corner advantage. Hershey posted eight saves en route to her fifth shutout of the season. The Cardinals improve to 12-9 on the season.
"I am most proud of the way our team prepared for the game and finished, which is what you have to do when you play good teams," said Louisville head coach Pam Bustin. "We had a total team effort today. Everybody contributed to the win."
The Cards will face Ohio University (9-11) in the finals of the MAC Championship on Sunday, Nov. 9 at Kent State's Dix Stadium. The teams split in the first two matchups of the season with OU taking the first game 1-0 and U of L winning the second 3-1.
