Miami field hockey opens 2024 with wins

The Miami University Redhawks field hockey team opened the 2024 season with a pair of wins. The RedHawks took a 2-1 win over Bucknell on Friday, Aug. 30, followed by a 5-0 shutout win over St. Francis on Sunday.

Miami will defend the Mid-American Conference dominance in 2024 after winning the championship last season. The field hockey team finished 15-8 overall, including a win in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Their season ended with a loss to #2 seed Northwestern.

The Redhawks are the preseason favorite to win the MAC championship and tournament this season, according to the MAC coaches’ poll. They received seven of the nine first place votes.

Friday’s opponent, the Bucknell Bison, are members of the Patriot League. The match was also their 2024 season opener. 

After a scoreless first half, the Redhawks scored two goals in the second half to take the win. Carlie Servis and Paula Peña Martinez each scored for Miami. Goalkeeper Nicky Sjouken held Bucknell scoreless in the first half, including a key save on a penalty stroke.

Miami scored midway through the third quarter, and went up 2-0 with a goal in the fourth period. The Bisons responded with a goal to cut the lead to one, but the Redhawks held on for the win.

The team followed up on Sunday with a dominant win against Pennsylvania school St. Francis. Reese Wearren scored one of her two goals after just over a minute of play. Claudia Negrete Garcia also scored twice for the Redhawks, and Martinez added the fifth goal.

The Redhawks will be on the road for the next four games, including trips to Iowa, Indiana, Princeton and Rutgers. They will return home on Sept. 20, hosting James Madison.

For recaps of away games, visit www.miamiredhawks.com.