Courtesy: Robert Barclay/CMU Kim Sihota and the Chippewas could not get on the scoreboard on Friday.

MOUNT PLEASANT – Central Michigan’s offense was shut out by Miami, 2-0, in the Mid-American Conference field hockey opener for both schools on Friday.

The RedHawks (4-1, 1-0 MAC) outshot the Chippewas (0-3, 0-1 MAC), 11-7, while posting one goal in each half.

Tricia Clark scored in the first on a deflection off a corner as Danielle Gaynor was credited with the assist.

CMU was pressuring late but Miami added an insurance goal with just over three minutes remaining as Elizabeth Gilroy maneuvered through a host of Chippewa defenders right in front of the goal.

“I’m disappointed because I thought we outplayed them between the circles,” coach Cristy Freese said. “But, in the offensive circle and defensive circle we didn’t. I do not think this team should be shut out. I don’t think our passing game was quite as on as it was in the first two games so that was frustrating for our players. It is important because the passing game can generate confidence. We tried to hit more out of the defensive end because Miami is good at pressuring us in that end and I don’t know if maybe that disrupted our passing game. We’ll have to look at that and keep making adjustments.

“The MAC opener is always very important. We didn’t get the quality we needed in the circles.”

Samantha Sandham registered four of CMU’s seven shots as the Chippewas held a 4-3 edge in penalty corners.

Abbey Huck made four saves to record the shutout for the RedHawks. Kahla Schwall made six saves in goal for CMU.

The Chippewas host Colgate on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the CMU Field Hockey Complex. The match is set to start at noon.