Soccer Set to Close Out Homestand with Senior Day

Soccer vs. Ohio \| vs. Kent State
Date	Friday, Oct. 14 - 4 p.m. \| Sunday, Oct. 16 - 1 p.m.
Location	Ypsilanti, Mich. - Scicluna Field
Game Notes	EMU Notes
Live Stats	vs. Ohio \| vs. Kent State
Live Stream	Not Available
Twitter	@EMUSoccer \| @EMUAthletics

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - The Eastern Michigan University women's soccer team closes out a four-game homestand this weekend, Oct. 14-16, against a pair Mid-American Conference East Division opponents. The Eagles open the weekend against Ohio University, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m., and wrap it up Sunday, Oct. 16, for a senior day showdown with Kent State University at 1 p.m.
   Fans can follow live stats for the matches on EMUEagles.com, or tune in for in-game updates on the team's Twitter, @EMUSoccer.

THANK YOU SENIORS!: EMU's Sunday showdown with MAC-leading Kent State, Oct. 16, will recognize the seven seniors on this year's squad as Jennifer Bentley, Rachel Wasburn, Madison Hirsch, Ellie Tillar, Stef Barcelos, Gabriella Mancini, and Michelle Rollins play one of their last games at Scicluna Field. Together, the group has amassed 32 wins, two trips to the Mid-American Conference Tournament, and a MAC Regular Season Title.

McNEILL THE MAGNIFICENT: Freshman Sabrina McNeill has caught fire as of late, erupting for three goals and an assist in her last four games. McNeill's hot streak lifted the Eagles to a crucial 2-1 overtime win over Toledo, Oct. 9, as the Whitby, Ontario product recorded the first multi-goal game of her young career. With two goals to lead the Eagles past UT, McNeill became the first Eagle to score two goals in a match since Kristin Nason did so, Sept. 6, 2015. Additionally, McNeill is the first EMU striker to accomplish the feat against a conference opponent since Bianca Rossi found the back of the net twice against Ball State, Sept. 28, 2014. She is also the first "true" freshman to net multiple goals in a game since Rossi did it against Ball State, Oct. 21, 2011.

SIX-POINT WEEKEND FOR THE EAGLES: For the first time since Oct. 26-30, 2014, the Eagles posted two victories over conference opponents over the weekend. The Green and White topped Bowling Green, 2-1, Oct. 6, before holding off Toledo, 2-1, in overtime, Oct. 9. The two wins gave EMU its first points of league play this season.

EARNING THE DUB IN OT: Eastern Michigan has played four overtime games this season. The Green and White hold a 1-2-1 mark in extra time games after picking up their first overtime win of the year, Oct. 9, at home against Toledo.

BATTLING THE BOBCATS: The Bobcats travel to Ypsilanti after posting a 4-1 victory over Akron at home, Oct. 9. Ohio owns a 3-9-1 overall record, including a 1-5-0 mark in Mid-American Conference play and is in search of its first road win since beating Cleveland State, 5-nil, Sept. 2.
   As a team, OU averages 1.46 goals per game on 12.2 shots per match. Bryce Hueber and Allie Curry pace the Bobcats attack with three goals each, while five others have added two scores apiece.
   In between the posts, Ohio has used the contributions of three different players, compiling a team goals against average of 1.55 and 72 saves. Erin Beurket has shouldered a majority of the playing time and has made a team-high 45 saves.

GAUGING THE GOLDEN FLASHES: Since dropping its season opener to then-ranked Ohio State, Kent State has rattled off 10 consecutive wins and carries a 10-1-0 record into this weekend's showdown with the Eagles. The Golden Flashes are one of two unbeaten teams in the league, boasting a 6-0-0 record in MAC games this season.
   A large part of the Golden Flashes' success can be attributed to their high octane offense. KSU has the top offense in the MAC and the 38th-best in the nation with an average of 2.18 goals per match. Leading the way for the Golden Flashes is reigning MAC Offensive Player of the Week, Jenna Hellstrom. Hellstrom leads the team in goals (10), assists (8), and points (28) this season. Meanwhile, four other players have found the back of the net multiple times for Kent State.
   The Golden Flashes have used two different goal keepers this season, with Ashleah McDonald garnering a majority of the minutes. Katie Kingsbury has gotten the call as of late, earning the start in KSU's win over Buffalo, Oct. 9. Together, the duo has combined to post four shutouts with an impressive 0.71 goals against average and .830 save percentage.

TILLAR'S 20TH: Senior midfielder Ellie Tillar registered the 20th point of her career in EMU's, 3-2, double overtime loss to Miami, Oct. 2. Dropping a pass to the top of the 18 on a corner kick, Tillar earned her third assist of the season and 20th point of her tenure on Stef Barcelos' go-ahead goal in the 74th minute. Netting the game-winner against Bowling Green, Oct. 6, Tillar's career point total now sits at 22, ranking tied for 23rd-most in EMU history.

This week's #1on1Wednesday takes us out to Scicluna Field for a chat with @EMUSoccer senior @stefbarcelos! #EMUEagles #WeAre pic.twitter.com/xnGeHAM666
— EMU Athletics (@EMUAthletics) October 12, 2016

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Players Mentioned

Stef Barcelos

Jennifer Bentley

Madison Hirsch

Kristin Hullibarger

Gabriella Mancini

Sabrina McNeill

Michelle Rollins

Ellie Tillar

Eastern Michigan Athletics