Michigan State University
Sacred Heart
Field Hockey Captures Hofstra Pride Invitational Title
9/12/2004 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Sept. 12, 2004
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Michigan State field hockey (7-0) remains undefeated with seven straight wins after defeating Sacred Heart (3-4), 4-2, to take the Hofstra Pride Invitational crown Sunday afternoon. The Spartans defeated Hofstra in the first day of tournament competition on Saturday, Sept. 11.
"We are very excited to have won the Hofstra Pride Invitational," said MSU head coach Michele Madison. "We had a phenomenal performance today and it is nice to have another trophy for the trophy case."
Spartan freshman forward Kathryn Elenz-Martin scored her third goal of the season to put MSU on the board, 8:14 minutes into the contest. Less than five minutes later, sophomore midfielder Ashley Pernicano netted a goal with an assist by junior forward Annebet Beerman.
MSU dominated throughout the first half, leading 2-0, but Sacred Heart responded with just 55 second remaining in the first half, as Pioneer Jenn Howley sent the ball past State's junior goaltender Christina Kirkaldy and into the Green and White net.
The first 12 minutes of the second half remained scoreless until Spartan freshman forward Becky Manning notched an unassisted goal, marking the first goal of her career. Sacred Heart's sophomore forward Becky Ford quickly responded, scoring a goal assisted by sophomore forward Danielle Curcio, to close the scoring gap to a 3-2 MSU lead.
With less than a minute remaining in the game, Spartan senior forward Veerle Goudswaard notched a goal, her 12th in just seven games, with an assist by Elenz-Martin. Goudswaard has scored at least one goal in six straight games, including two hat tricks.
MSU's scoring success came as a result of its dynamic offense, as State fired off 17 shots at the Pioneers. The Spartan backfield was equally impressive, prohibiting Sacred Heart from taking more than four shots total. Sophomore goalkeeper Ashley Del Greco made eight saves to deter State's efforts.
Despite the immense success that MSU has enjoyed thus far, Madison asserts that her team will hone in on its defensive efforts in future contests.
"Our attack is on," Madison said of Spartan offense. "But, defensively, we want to play a lot better if we want to keep up with the big teams."
Next, MSU returns to East Lansing to host Kent State on Friday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. After that, the Spartans stay at home to match up against defending NCAA Champion Wake Forest on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m.
