Recap courtesy of UMass Athletic Communications

Central Michigan 9, Mercyhurst 0
Box Score
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.- It was a historic day at Cristy Freese Field for the Central Michigan Field Hockey 2026 home opener.

In her first home game as the head coach of the Chippewas, Kelly Terwilliger's squad did something the program has not done in almost 30 years. Central Michigan defeated the Mercyhurst Lakers 9-0, a margin of victory not seen since 1997.

The Central Michigan offense had its breakout day led by sophomore Mora Rulli. Rulli netted four goals in the game, the most in her career, and the most a Chippewa has scored in a game since at least 2018.

"Mora is a really creative player," Head Coach Terwilliger said. "She creates opportunities for us coming off the defense and into the attack. She's hard to defend, and we love having her on our team."

Seniors Annabelle Cotroneo and Cameron Pluciennik joined in on the fun as well, each scoring two goals. Sophomore Bri Eckenroth added a goal of her own in the third quarter that seemed to open the floodgates for the rest of the Chippewa offense.

Carolena Ryon and Sophia Havrilla led CMU in assists, each grabbing two. Rulli and senior defender Hailey Bainer each posted one.

The theme so far this season has been elite Chippewa defense, and elite it was.

The Chippewa defense allowed the Lakers one shot late in the fourth quarter. The Chippewas dominated all facets of the game. Junior Goalkeeper Jenna Billig recorded her first career shutout in the win.

"We want to play good hockey and keep playing the type of hockey we want to put on the field, Terwilliger said. "It doesn't matter who the opponent is; it's about recognizing our why."

As a team, the Chippewas outshot the Lakers 42-1, and led in corners 13-0.

Central Michigan Field Hockey returns home Sunday, September 13th, against the St. Louis Billikens before beginning conference play against Kent State on September 18th.