No. 8 Spartans Blank Rutgers, 5-0

Oct. 3, 2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Michigan State used a four-goal first half and a shutout from senior goalkeeper Elissa Unger to defeat Rutgers 5-0 Saturday afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky. Junior Angela Pagura and senior Floor Rijpma paced the Spartan attack scoring two goals apiece.

"We had a great start and were able to convert on some quality opportunities," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "We had some great goals and were able to play everyone, so all-in-all it was a very successful day for the Spartans."

Pagura started the scoring for eighth-ranked MSU when she took a pass from Rijpma and fired in the back of the cage less than three minutes into the game. Rijpma added a goal of her own at the 15:43 mark when she took a pass from freshman Manouk Vernij and beat keeper Vickie Lavell low. A Chantae Miller shot from the top of the circle found the cage at the 20:12 mark making the score 3-0 in favor of the Spartans. Less than 20 seconds later the Spartans were on the board again when Miller found Rijpma in front of the net for her second goal of the half making the score 4-0 Spartans heading into the half.

Michigan State played lockdown defense for the remainder of the game, holding Rutgers without a shot in the second half. Pagura added her second goal of the game at the 66 minute mark to close out the scoring for the Green and White.

The Spartans, who improved their record to 8-3, will be in action again tomorrow when they face 15th-ranked Louisville in a 1 p.m. matchup.