Michigan State University
(6-6)
Ball State
(6-6)
Field Hockey Knocks Off Ball State on the Road
10/9/2022 4:17:00 PM | Field Hockey
MUNCIE, Ind. - Led by midfielder Merel Hanssen and forward Lulu Fulton, Michigan State field hockey topped Ball State, 5-3, in a nonconference road matchup Sunday afternoon at the Ball State Briner Sports Complex.
Michigan State moves to an even 6-6 overall (0-5 B1G) on the season with the win. Ball State falls to 6-6 (3-1 MAC).
The Spartans opened up the scoring less than a minute into the game after Emma O'Neill tapped in a pass from Celina Riccardo following a penalty corner. Lulu Fulton doubled the Spartan lead shortly after in the third minute, taking the ball down the field and scoring after a Ball State defensive breakdown.
The Cardinals responded with two unanswered goals of their own, recording goals off penalty corners from Michaela Graney and Kerrianne McClay. Hanssen scored her first goal of the game in the final seconds of the quarter to retake the lead for the Spartans. Michigan State headed to the second quarter with a 3-2 advantage after a high-scoring first quarter.
Ball State tied the game again in the second quarter with a goal from leading scorer Fleur Knopert. The Spartans recorded six shots following the Cardinals' game-tying goal, but were unable to convert, leaving the two squads tied heading into halftime.
Michigan State opened up the third quarter in similar fashion to the first, scoring two quick goals to take a 5-3 lead. Fulton added her second goal of the game in the first minute of the quarter, while Riccardo added her second assist of the game. Hanssen scored her second goal of the game in the 33rd minute.
The Spartans and Cardinals exchanged shots in the fourth quarter, but neither team was able to add to the score as the Spartans held on for the win.
Michigan State held a 19-13 advantage in shots and 9-6 penalty corner advantage. Spartan goalkeeper Monique Jardell made two saves in another 60-minute day in net.
"We started the game at a good tempo and controlled the play," said Michigan State head coach Helen Knull. "It was fantastic to get up early and score first, which was a goal for us today. We are looking forward to getting home for two Big Ten games at Ralph Young."
The Spartans host a pair of conference games at Ralph Young Field next weekend, welcoming defending national champion Northwestern to East Lansing on Friday, Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. Michigan State then hosts Indiana in the team's annual Pink Game for a noon contest on Sunday, Oct. 16. Both games will stream on B1G+.
Team Stats
O'Neill, Emma
Assisted By: Riccardo, Celina
GOAL by MSU O'Neill, Emma (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Riccardo, Celina.
0:45
Fulton, Lulu
GOAL by MSU Fulton, Lulu.
3:21
GRANEY, Michaela
Assisted By: KRAUS, Libby
GOAL by BALLST GRANEY, Michaela, Assist by KRAUS, Libby.
8:43
MCCLAY, Kerrianne
Assisted By: HILTON, Emma
GOAL by BALLST MCCLAY, Kerrianne, Assist by HILTON, Emma.
11:42
Hanssen, Merel
GOAL by MSU Hanssen, Merel.
14:43
KNOPERT, Fleur (16)
GOAL by BALLST KNOPERT, Fleur, goal number 16 for season.
17:26
Fulton, Lulu
Assisted By: Riccardo, Celina
GOAL by MSU Fulton, Lulu, Assist by Riccardo, Celina.
30:59
Hanssen, Merel
GOAL by MSU Hanssen, Merel.
33:42
