KENT, Ohio — A University of Maine and Temple University women's field hockey game hosted at Kent State University was called off during overtime play to allow the football game to start on time, according to UMaine Field Hockey.
Maine and Temple were scheduled to face off on Kent State's Murphy-Mellis Field Saturday morning.
After going into double overtime in a scoreless game, Kent State administration entered the field prior to the second overtime half and called the game off to allow the Kent State football game to begin on time, UMaine Field Hockey said.
Well... that's a new one.
— UMaine Field Hockey (@UMaineFH) September 7, 2019
Today's game at @KentState has been declared a "no contest" after Kent State administration came onto the field prior to the second overtime half and called off the game to allow the noontime Kent football game to begin on time.
It is uncertain exactly why the game needed to be called off early as the field hockey game was taking place at a separate field neighboring Kent State’s Dix Stadium.
Riley Field, a senior on Maine’s field hockey team, tweeted about the incident, claiming the game was called off and the field was cleared for safety purposes due to fireworks being set off for the football game.
there was a plan for fireworks for an opening of the football game so they had us clear for safety purposes. fireworks were not meant to go off until 12 and it was 10:45 when we ended our first overtime.
— Riley Field (@RileyField11) September 7, 2019
Since the game was called off before a winner was declared, it has been listed as a scrimmage for NCAA reporting purposes and won’t count against either team’s statistics or overall records, according to UMaine Field Hockey.
Kent State Field Hockey issued the following statement regarding the incident:
We regret today’s game had to be stopped during overtime play per field guidelines as previously discussed. We recognize the hard work and dedication of all student-athletes. The safety of our community, including student-athletes and visitors is always our first consideration.
— Kent State Field Hockey (@KentStFH) September 7, 2019
Temple's field hockey team had faced Kent State Friday and Maine is scheduled to play Kent State Sunday at 11 a.m.
Kent State's football team went on to win their 12 p.m. matchup Saturday against the Kennesaw State Owls—in overtime.
Camryn Justice is a digital content producer at News 5 Cleveland. Follow her on Twitter @camijustice.
