Michigan State University
(5-5, 0-4)
Ohio
(5-5, 1-2)
Dominant Third Quarter Lifts Field Hockey Over Ohio
10/2/2022 3:59:00 PM | Field Hockey
ATHENS, Ohio – Following a slower start that saw the Spartans down at the half, Michigan State field hockey used a dominant third quarter to top Ohio, 2-1, in a non-conference road matchup at Pruitt Field Sunday afternoon.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Spartans, who move to 5-5 (0-4 B1G) on the year. Ohio posts a 5-5 record (1-2 MAC) after the loss.
Ohio opened up the scoring in the 10th minute with a goal from Meela Koop. Despite a 5-2 advantage in shots, the Spartans were unable to convert in the first half. Lulu Fulton, Hannah Jarvie, Merel Hanssen and Kim Smit recorded first-half shots for the Spartans.
Merel Hanssen tied the game up for the Spartans in the 40th minute before making a pass to Maddie Lawlor to make it a 2-1 lead for Michigan State. The goal scored by Lawlor marks her first collegiate goal. Hanssen recorded her second goal and third assist of the season. In addition to the goals, the Spartans dominated the shot count in the third quarter, recording nine to Ohio's two.
Ohio held a 9-0 advantage in shots in the fourth, but were unable to convert, as the Spartan defense held off the Bobcats to seal the victory.
Hanssen led the Spartans in shots with four, while Fulton followed with three. Ellie Rutherford (1) and Celina Riccardo (2) also added to the shot count for the Spartans. Riccardo recorded a defensive save in the first quarter, her second of the season. Spartan goalkeeper Monique Jardell played all 60 minutes in goal for the Spartans and recorded three saves.
"It was good to get a win on the road today," said MSU head coach Helen Knull. "Credit to Ohio who started the game strong. We had opportunities early that we need to connect on and put in the back of the net. After halftime, we made some adjustments which got our attack going and we had two good goals by Merel and Maddie. We are looking forward to playing at home next weekend after two weeks on the road."
Up next, the Spartans host Michigan on Friday, Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. before heading back on the road for a non-conference game at Ball State on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.
Team Stats
Meela Koop (3)
Assisted By: Anouk Plaehn
*
10:21
Hanssen, Merel (2)
*
40:22
Lawlor, Maddie (1)
Assisted By: Hanssen, Merel
*
43:02
