Michigan State Field Hockey Stuns No. 13 Indiana, 1-0

Oct. 21, 2006

EAST LANSING, Mich. - In the final home game of her career, senior Ashley Pernicano scored the only goal of the game, as the Michigan State field hockey team defeated No. 13 Indiana, 1-0. The Spartans played a tough defensive second period of the game to preserve their 1-0 lead from the first half. Senior goalkeeper Stephanie Yuhasz tallied her fourth shutout this season, posting four saves in the win.

"We played exceptionally well as a team today," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "It took endless work from everybody in order to make that happen, and it showed a lot of character from our girls."

Michigan State (6-10, 1-4 Big Ten) came out firing in the first half, taking seven shots on Indiana goalkeeper Haley Exner. MSU freshman Floor Rijpma took a shot on the left side of the circle, which Pernicano tipped in to put the Spartans up, 1-0, at 23:11. The teams were even with two penalty corners each at the end of the first half, which saw Indiana (13-4, 3-2 Big Ten) take four shots.

MSU continued to play a tough defensive game in the second period, holding Indiana to just one shot in the half. The Hoosier defense tightened down as well, only allowing the Spartans two shots. Indiana had two penalty corners, while the Spartans were awarded one in the half, although neither team could capitalize, allowing MSU to come away with the 1-0 victory.

The win marks the Spartans first Big Ten victory of the season, and their first win over a ranked opponent.

"It felt really good to come away with the win over one of the top teams in the Big Ten in my final game on this turf," said Pernicano. "We really played as a team today and it showed."

Michigan State will close out regular-season Big Ten play on Oct. 28 at Ohio State, followed by its final regular season game Oct. 29 at Ohio University.