Field Hockey Takes Down No. 9 Penn State, 3-2

Oct. 14, 2007

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. The seventh-ranked Michigan State field hockey team won its second straight game on Sunday, beating No. 9 Penn State, 3-2, at AstroTurf Field in University Park, Pa. MSU won its first contest in the last four meetings with the Nittany Lions. Jeamie Deacon led the way for the Spartans, as she scored two goals to help MSU improve to 12-4 on the season, and 3-1 in Big Ten play.

MSU got its first goal of the game at 19:28 of the first half from backfielder Jeamie Deacon, as she slapped a one-timer from point blank range past Penn State goalkeeper Jen Beaumont after a penalty corner. It was Deacon's 10th goal of the season, and the assist came from sophomore Floor Rijpma, her sixth of the year. MSU stayed on the offensive as senior Charlotte van der Laag scored an unassisted goal off a rebound just four minutes later, her fourth of the season . MSU headed into the locker room at halftime with a 2-0 lead.

Michigan State extended its lead to 3-0 at 51:34 on Deacon's second goal of the game. Deacon's unassisted goal was a one-timer from the top of the circle.

Down by three, Penn State rallied for two goals - junior Allison Scola scored on a tip-in at 54:44, and sophmore Bethany Marvel added a second for the Nittany Lions with 1:29 remaining off a penalty corner.

The Spartan defense would not allow the home team any closer, as it held on for a 3-2 victory.

"I think having only one game this week allowed us to completely prepare for Penn State, and it showed in our play. We came out very strong on offense and dominated with those first three goals," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "We allowed them to get back in it, but we executed the game plan down the stretch. It was a good learning experience today, and it's great to have the win as we move onto Indiana."

Elissa Unger made three saves on the day, and was aided by a pair of defensive saves by freshman Angela Pagura, who made one in each half. Jen Beaumont made six saves for Penn State.

Deacon, a sophomore from Wexford, Ireland, has been one of the most consistent players for the Spartans this year. She now ranks second on the team in goals scored (11), third in assists (8) and first in total points (30).

"Jeamie is a great all-around player and a great team player. She understands how to play, and not to play. She's very skillful, and she knows when to use her teammates," said coach van de Kerkhof. "She has completely adjusted to playing field hockey in America."

Michigan State plays its second of three straight road games on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m., as it travels to Bloominton, Ind. to take on Big Ten rival Indiana.