No. 8 Field Hockey Dominates No. 15 Louisville

Sept. 12, 2003

Louisville, Ky. - The Michigan State field hockey team continued its season on the road, facing 15th-ranked Louisville on the Cardinals' home turf. The Spartans ran away with a 3-2 victory over the Cardinals as three Spartans led the squad to its third win of the year.

Michigan State got on the board at the 13:05 mark in the first half as freshman Jennifer Beeuwkes continued her impressive ways in her inaugural campaign, opening scoring on a push from senior Alexandra Kyser on a penalty corner. Just over six minutes later, Kyser would take matters into her own hands on the assist from Annebet Beerman at the 19:35 mark.

But the Cardinals would not lie dormant, as Louisville's April White scored the next two goals, capitalizing on scoring chances the Spartan style of play produces.

"We really try to attack in our style of play," said head coach Michele Madison. "That opens up possibilities for other teams to get those scoring chances when we are attacking."

With the score tied at 2-2 through the first 35 minutes of play, the No. 8 Spartans were looking to put another victory in the bag. The players who already had points to their credit did it again as Beerman scored on a penalty corner, assists credited to Kyser and Beeuwkes.

"The best 10 minutes of the game were played after that final goal," said Madison. "In terms of team character and competitiveness, the team really took control."

The team out shot Louisville 13-10 and held a 13-8 penalty corner advantage as nine of the Cardinals' 13 penalty corners came in the second half.

Goalkeeper Christina Kirkaldy anchored the Spartan defense with five saves, facing 13 shots from the Cardinals.

"Down the stretch, Christina had some key saves to keep us in the game," said Madison. "Teams are coming at us with their guns loaded and we have to try to keep to our own game plan. We have to try to find each other and stick to our game plan."

Madison and the Spartans will take that mentality with them as they face Southwest Missouri State tomorrow, Sat., Sept. 13 in Louisville, Ky., at 1 p.m.

Game Notes:

* MSU is outscoring opponents 14-6. 7-2 in the first period and 7-4 in the second period.

* Alexandra Kyser leads the team in points with eight on three goals and two assists. She has scored at least one goal in each of the Spartans' victories this season.