Spartans First Home Game Against Dayton

Aug. 28, 2015

EAST LANSING, Mich. -

Returning home after a 2-0-1 road tour, including wins in first-time meetings against Niagara University and Baylor University, the Spartans return home to DeMartin Stadium where they will stay for the next seven games.

The Spartans (2-0-1) take on the University of Dayton (0-3-0) in their first game at home Sunday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.

MSU has a 6-6-1 all-time record against the Flyers, having won four of the last five meetings.

The Spartans' last line of defense, senior goalkeeper Gabrielle Gauruder, has started three games consecutively, resulting in 10 saves and one shutout to her credit.

Anchored by a veteran defense, MSU returns seven starters while bringing in five new freshmen.

Five Spartans have goals to their credit, including junior Marisa Oleksiak, senior Kirsten Evans, sophomore Jamie Cheslik, freshman Michaela Kovacs and senior Mary Kathryn Fiebernitz.

Michigan State head coach Tom Saxton said that he hopes to see his team come out more consistent and confident, while seeing an increased offensive pressure placed on Dayton's goal.

"We have to areas to improve on," Saxton said. "We need to work on our decision-making in the final third. We had counter-attack opportunities early [in Oakland's game] and in overtime but weren't able to generate [results]. "

The Spartans have taken 25 shots to their opponents' 24 and scored five goals so far this season.