Michigan State University
Kent State
Field Hockey Rallies For Overtime Victory
9/13/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
"For us this year, we have played from behind," said head coach Helen Knull. "We don't freak out. We know what we have to do and have a belief that when we get down or go to overtime, we can score and come back. We knew we had to possess the ball in the overtime and just had to play our hockey."
MSU set up the winning goal with a through ball to Abby Barker up the right sideline. Barker drew in the Kent State defenders before sending a cross to the left side that found Becky Stiles who buried it into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
Michigan State had to fight their way back in the game to force overtime, as the Spartans fell behind early, trailing 2-0 in the game's first 18 minutes. Megan Fenton cut the lead to one with her third goal of the season in the 22nd minute and MSU would go into the break down 2-1.
Kent State tried to put the game away by tacking on an insurance goal and extending the lead to two in the second half, but the persistent Spartans were able to hang around and eventually even the score at 3-3.
Kendal Anderson started the comeback with her first career goal in the 58th minute. Four minutes later, Abby Barker scored her team-leading fifth goal of the season to knot the game up and force overtime.
"We started playing our own game half way through the second half," said Knull. "Kent State controlled the tempo early and generated shots off corners. To their credit, they were ready and we were not, but I was pleased with how we finished the game. It's great to see everyone scoring. We need to come out and set the tone from the first whistle tomorrow."
Michigan State returns to action tomorrow at noon, taking on Richmond in Kent, Ohio.
