Michigan State University
Penn State - Big Ten Tournament
Field Hockey Repeats As Big Ten Tournament Champions
11/9/2003 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Nov. 9, 2003
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - A year after claiming its first ever conference tournament title, the second-seeded Michigan State field hockey team defended its crown Sunday at the 2003 Big Ten Tournament. The Spartans defeated fourth-seed Penn State on the Nittany Lions' home turf, 5-3, to guarantee themselves a spot in the NCAA Championships for the third year in a row.
MSU's penalty corners were on fire against Penn State (17-6 overall) as the Green and White (16-4) converted on its first two attempts. Junior Veerle Goudswaard blasted a shot set up by junior Annebet Beerman and sophomore Breanna Harpstead through the Nittany Lion defense for a 1-0 lead only 1:42 into the game. Senior Alexandra Kyser increased the lead to 2-0 at 7:42 off another corner as Beerman added a second helper. The tally was Kyser's third of the weekend.
Before the half reached the 10-minute mark, sophomore Michelle Huynh-Ba got onto the scorecard at 9:52 for a 3-0 lead. The Spartans' third goal of the first half marked the seventh time this season MSU recorded at least three goals in the opening half.
In the second half, Goudswaard and Beerman hooked up again off another corner as Goudswaard notched her 16th goal of the year at 40:50. Sophomore Jessica Miller also picked up an assist. Michigan State increased its advantage to 5-0 with its fourth penalty corner goal at 45:47. With help from Goudswaard and Miller, Huynh-Ba connected for her second goal of the day and third of the tournament to complete MSU's scoring.
Penn State sent a scare over to the Michigan State sideline as the Nittany Lions quickly scored three times within a span of 8:36. But the Spartans managed to hold on to the two-goal lead for the remaining 12:40 of play and secured the 5-3 championship victory.
Kyser was selected as the Big Ten Tournament MVP while also being named to the 2003 All-Tournament team. Spartan goalkeeper Christina Kirkaldy, who stopped five shots against PSU, and Milller were also named to the team.
Michigan State advanced to the finals after eliminating Indiana, 3-1, and Ohio State, 3-0. MSU is now 11-1 in its last 12 contests while holding a six game winning streak.
NCAA Tournament selections and sites will be announced Tuesday at 8 p.m. First round competition begins November 15.
