Massachusetts Tallies Fifth Shutout, Takes Down Central Michigan 2-0

AMHERST, Mass -- No. 14 Massachusetts (10-1, 3-1 MAC) claimed a dominant 2-0 homecoming win over Central Michigan (6-4, 2-2) on Sunday at Gladchuk Field Hockey Complex. The Minutewomen notched their fifth shutout of the season, good for first in the MAC and second nationally.

Massachusetts earned its first victory over the Chippewas in the first meeting between the two programs.

Sophie Kent and Mia Smith each tallied a goal in the contest, with both finding the net within 35 seconds of the start of the first and second quarters, respectively. The goals marked the second of the season for both Kent and Smith.

Senior Myrte van Herwijnen made one save on the afternoon, facing just two shots. The senior goalkeeper has allowed one goal or less in nine of 11 games this season in net. Van Herwijnen now has five shutouts this season and 20 in her career.

The Chippewas were led by Ashley Cogger who made 11 saves on the afternoon.

Breaking Down The Action

The Minutewomen took just 27 seconds to open the scoring as Sophie Kent punctuated a pass from Elani Sherwood to create a 1-0 lead.
Massachusetts finished the first quarter of play with a 4-2 advantage in shots, maintaining its 1-0 advantage on the scoreboard.
Mia Smith scored Massachusetts' second of the day, creating a 2-0 lead just 35 seconds into the second quarter of play.
Massachusetts dominated possession in the second quarter, holding the advantage in shots (7-0) and penalty corners (2-0).
Massachusetts outshot Central Michigan 10-2 over the final two quarters but play but could add to their advantage.
The final whistle sounded with the final score 2-0 in favor of the Minutewomen.

Notable Numbers

2: Kent and Smith each recorded their second goal of the season.
5: Massachusetts notched its fifth shutout of the season.
6: The Minutewomen drew six penalty corners in the matchup.
9: Massachusetts has allowed one goal or less in nine games this season.
13: Barrett now leads the Minutewomen with 13 points on the season.
17: The Minutewomen have recorded 17 straight regular season wins at Gladchuk Field Hockey Complex and 14 consecutive overall.
20: Van Herwijnen recorded her 20th career shutout in net
21: The Minutewomen tallied 21 shots in the contest, 13 on goal.

Series History

With the win, Massachusetts now holds a 1-0-0 record all-time against the Chippewas.
The matchup marks the first between the two programs.

Up Next

The Minutewomen close homecoming weekend against UConn on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and can be followed live on umassathletics.com or UMassFH on Twitter.

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