MSU field hockey splits weekend homes games

Michigan State field hockey had an honorable weekend outing falling to No. 3 Nothwestern Friday and defeating Indiana Sunday in overtime.

Northwestern’s offensive advances overpowered the Spartans, leading to a 3-1 victory. Despite the Wildcats’ offensive presence, the Spartans gave them a run for their money, as the offensive line bobbed and weaved through defenders, but failed to capitalize.

It seemed as though the Spartans did everything necessary to add another win to their record, but just couldn’t find the back of the net.

MSU Head Field Hockey Coach Helen Knull was proud in her team’s effort Friday.

“I don’t think we could have played any better in terms of our game plan,” Knull said. “It obviously would’ve been better if we finished our opportunities, but we’ve got to walk away from today and be proud of the performance we put forth against a really really good team.”

However, Michigan State came to play Sunday in a thrilling overtime win versus Indiana at home, who fell to 8-8 overall this year.

Both teams demonstrated strong defensive qualities throughout the entirety of the game, which led the match to overtime. Indiana had 12 shots on goal in regular time, whereas the Spartans had only 6. 

The defensive standstill broke in overtime. Senior defender Celina Riccardo found an opening off of an assist from sophomore midfielder Ellie Rutherford and put the Spartans up 1-0. 

An exciting end to the equal matchup, the Spartans are 7-7 going into their next away matchup against 2-13 Central Michigan Wednesday afternoon.

Knull has high hopes for the success of the team going into these next two games.

“We’ve got two Big Ten games left and if we win them both, then we’re in the tournament,” Knull said. “We still have a lot to play for.”