Michigan State University
Villanova
Spartans Dominate Villanova, 9-2
8/28/2016 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
KENT, Ohio - The Michigan State field hockey team defeated Villanova, 9-2, on Sunday afternoon to pick up its first win of the season and improve to 1-1 on the year. The Spartans came out firing, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game. Kendal Anderson led the attack for MSU, tallying two goals and two assists, while Megan Fenton and Shelby Supica also added two goals each.
"Our ability to set the tone today was very important," said head coach Helen Knull. "On Friday, we let Kent State really control the pace of play and struggled to gain any control and possession. A big focus for us today was possession and off-ball movement. We did this from the get-go and put Villanova on their heels. To be up 4-0 in the first 10 minutes really put us in control. I felt that the entire squad today took personal responsibility to level up and make our opponent have to stay up with us."
Addie Donaldson got the scoring started in the fifth minute with a deflection in front. Sophie Macadré added one in the sixth minute after a long pass from Anderson up the left side. Kristin Matula then dribbled into the circle a minute later and made it 3-0 with her first goal of the year.
Shelby Supica scored the first of her two goals in the ninth minute to put MSU up 4-0 in the early going. Megan Fenton later capitalized on an opportunity from the left side to cap of the first half scoring and send the Spartans to the break leading 5-0.
MSU outshot Nova 17-5 in the opening fame and 34-10 for the game.
Villanova struck first in the second half with a goal in the 39th minute, but MSU responded a minute later when Anderson intercepted a pass and attacked the net straight on for her first goal of the afternoon.
Supica added her second tally in the 48th minute on an assist from Maddie Vann to give MSU a 7-1 lead.
After Villanova scored its second goal in the 63rd minute, MSU tacked on two more goals. Fenton scored on an assist from Macadré in the 63rd minute. Kendal Anderson then brought the game to its final of 9-2 with her second goal of the day and third of the weekend.
"Kendal has the ability to set teammates up and also to score," said Knull. "It was great to see her have a hand in so many goals today. I expect big things from her on the attacking side of the Spartans this season."
Katie Miller made three saves in the game and Sierra Patton stopped two Villanova shots, while each goalie allowed one goal.
The Spartans return to action on Thursday, Sept. 1 and begin a seven-game homestand when they play host to Central Michigan at Ralph Young Field at 6 p.m. ET.
