April 9, 2008

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Michigan State field hockey team played its second tournament of the Midwest Spring League on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 in Louisville, Ky. The Spartans went undefeated on the weekend, recording an 8-0-1 mark by outscoring their opponent by an 18-2 margin and recording seven shutouts in nine games.

"We had a great team performance in Louisville," said MSU head coach Rolf van de Kerkof. "We had some contributions from players that did not see much playing time last season, and Elissa Unger was solid in the goal for us all weekend. So that just tells me that the pieces to the puzzle are coming together nicely. Our game results continue to prove that our playing style is getting stronger and better, and our hard work this spring is paying off."

Sophomore goalkeeper Elissa Unger also had a great weekend of competition, allowing only two goals in nine games.

On Saturday, MSU played six games with a 7 vs. 7 format, and went 6-0 on the day. In the first game, the Spartans took down Ohio, 3-0. Michigan State then went on to defeat, Kent State, 2-1; Louisville, 2-1; St. Louis, 3-0; Indiana, 3-0; and Iowa, 1-0. Goal scorers for the Spartans included Angela Pagura, Chantae Miller, Floor Rijpma, Jantine Steinmetz, Nicola Pitticas, Gwen Riley, Amanda Huck and Joelle van Ierland.

In day two, the tournament switched to an 11 vs. 11 format. The Spartans took the first two matches, but went scoreless in the last game, as it ended in a tie. MSU defeated Ohio, 3-0; Iowa, 1-0; then played to a 0-0 tie versus Louisville. Goals were scored by Jeamie Deacon, Riley, Steinmetz and Rijpma.

The Spartans wrap up spring tournament play on April 12-13, as they compete at Miami of Ohio on Saturday, and finish up at Ohio State on Sunday. Other teams competing in Oxford, Ohio, include host Miami, Central Michigan and Northwestern. At Ohio State on Sunday, the Spartans will play Kent State at 10:30 a.m. and Ohio State at 1 p.m.

MSU Field Hockey

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