Spartans Fall In Overtime At The Big Ten Tournament

Nov. 7, 2008

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Michigan State field hockey team (16-5) fell, 3-2 in overtime to Iowa on Friday, ending MSU's run in the Big Ten Tournament. Junior Floor Rijpma (Bunnik, Netherlands) and freshman Chantae Miller (East Amherst, N.Y.) scored for the Spartans. The game marked the second time this season the two teams have gone to extra time, and the second-straight year in the Big Ten Tournament.

Michigan State opened the game with back-to-back penalty corners, but failed to convert. The Spartans would get another chance at 11:53 when the third penalty corner of the game was called. Junior Jeamie Deacon (Wexford, Ireland) took the initial shot at the top of the circle, and Rijpma tipped the ball into the cage to take a 1-0 lead.

Iowa responded just over two minutes later to even the score. Caroline Blaum inserted the ball from the right side of the cage to Caitlin McCurdy who was camped out in front, and McCurdy slid it in the far side.

The Spartans got back on top at 26:45, and take a 2-1 lead into the half. Deacon started the play off a free hit just outside the circle - Miller was positioned on the left side of the goal cage and put the ball past Iowa goalkeeper Lissa Munley. Michigan State recorded three straight penalty corners to end the first half, but were unable to add to their one-goal lead.

The two teams would exchange momentum shifts in the second half, with Iowa capitalizing on an opportunity at 51:28 to tie the game. Katie Naughton took a hard shot from inside the circle, with the assist to Tricia Dean. The teams again traded opportunities, but ended regulation in a 2-2 tie. Michigan State posted 15 shots to Iowa's three at the end of 70 minutes, and held a 9-4 advantage in penalty corners.

The extra time marked the fourth time the two teams have gone to overtime in the Big Ten Tournament. Michigan State had its chance first in overtime, recording a penalty corner 50 seconds in, with Rijpma's shot sailing just wide of the goal. The Hawkeyes got a penalty corner at 74:09 and converted for the game-winning goal; Lauren Pfeiffer took the shot from the top of the circle after receiving the ball from Blaum.

"We played a good game with some great moments," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "But the few bad moments we had undermined out opportunity to move on. We have to learn from those and apply it in the next game we play."

Michigan State now awaits a bid to the NCAA tournament. Selections will be announced Tuesday at 8 p.m. on NCAA.com.