Spartans Fall to Ball State, 3-2

Oct. 2, 2016

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State field hockey team fell to Ball State, 3-2 on Sunday afternoon. The Spartans drop to 5-6 on the year, while the Cardinals improve to 5-6. BSU scored three first half goals and held off MSU despite the Spartans owning an 11-4 advantage in shots and a 12-1 edge in penalty corners.

Ball State jumped out to a two-goal lead with a pair of quick scores in the 15th and 17th minute of the game.

Megan Fenton scored her ninth goal of the season and cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 20th minute on an assist from Addie Donaldson.

BSU added one more goal before the break to take a 3-1 lead into halftime.

MSU made it a one-score game with a goal in the 47th minute to make it 3-2. Megan Fenton sent a pass in front to Grace Santi, who redirected the ball into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.

Michigan State held possession for a majority of the game's closing minutes and had chances, none better than three consecutive penalty corners with the clock at zero. Ball State eventually cleared the ball on the third attempt to end the game.

The Spartans return to action next Friday at Maryland at 6 p.m. and take on American on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Washington, D.C.