Michigan State University
Rutgers
Spartans Stop Scarlet Knights, Win 3-2
10/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Piscataway N.J. - No. 20 Michigan State started the second half of its season on Friday with a 3-2 road victory over Rutgers. Three different Spartans scored goals to help MSU improve to 2-2 in the Big Ten and 6-4 overall.
MSU had to erase a first-half deficit, as it has had to do in each of its last four victories, after Rutgers jumped up early in the 15th minute. The Spartans responded with three unanswered goals in eight minutes to take a 3-1 lead into halftime.
Rutgers would score to cut the lead to one in the second half, allowing for a late push from the Scarlet Knights, but the Spartans held them off with two late saves. Senior back Alli Helwig made the stop of the game with just less than 30 seconds remaining to help preserve the victory. Helwig swatted a Rutgers' shot off the goal line that got past goalkeeper Sierra Patton on the penalty corner. The Scarlet Knights managed one more shot that Patton saved before the Spartans cleared as time expired.
"There were parts of today's game where I thought we could have played better, but the bottom line is we got a road win, and I am very pleased with outcome," said head coach Helen Knull. "Today was a physical game, and we were struggling to get things going, but the girls stuck to the game plan and got the job done. We put a lot of shots wide in the second half, and despite them scoring the goal, we held onto the momentum."
Abby Barker got the scoring started for the Spartans in the 24th minute to tie the game with her team-leading 10th goal of the season. Shortly after, MSU drew a penalty corner in the 28th minute that Alli Helwig capitalized on for her second goal of the season. Jenni Smith and Michelle Graham recorded assists on the play.
Michigan State added an important insurance goal in the 32nd minute right before the half, extending the lead to 3-1 before the break. Kendal Anderson and Barker generated a two on one break, ending in a cross from Barker that Anderson put home into the back of the net. Anderson's goal proved to be vital after Rutgers closed the gap to one with a goal in the 42nd minute.
"It was a positive to see a lot of different people on the score sheet today," said Knull in regards to five different Spartans tallying a point. "Alli Helwig stepped up in many ways and did an exceptional job. We had a lot of players get time and opportunities, something that will only help this team moving forward." Sierra Patton made four saves in the game, all coming in the second half. The game featured four cards, two to each team.
Michigan State returns to action tomorrow in a non-conference matchup with Monmouth at 1 p.m.
