Spartans Prepare To Clash With Chippewas
10/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 12, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The No. 15 Michigan State field hockey team (8-6) travels to neighboring Central Michigan (6-7) for the second meeting of the year between the two schools on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m. State picked up a 3-1 win on Sept. 27 in East Lansing in round one. The Spartans have not lost to CMU since 2000. Next on the slate for the Spartans following Thursday's contest is Penn State on Saturday, in State College, Pa.
In the first meeting, the Chippewas got on the board early and enjoyed a 1-0 halftime lead, but the Green and White caught fire in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals to take the game 3-1 at the MSU Field Hockey Complex. Freshman back Inge Kaars Sijpestijn netted two goals in the win.
"We have to keep our composure against a team that plays high pressure defense," head coach Michele Madison commented about the Spartan game strategy. "We really have to find space and take advantage of opportunities at goal."
It has been tough times for the Green and White lately, with MSU dropping three games in a row and five of its last six. The Spartans have not picked up a win since its last outing against CMU. In MSU's last contest, against Connecticut on Saturday, State fell behind early, 2-0, but managed to tie the game 2-2 mid-way through the second half. Despite the battle, the Spartans would not be able to take advantage of chances around the net late in the game and the Huskies walked away with a 4-2 victory.
"We had an early practice after the UConn game," Madison said. "They had to see that they had more in them to give."
When asked what things the team has focused on this week, Madison replied, "Urgency, having the killer instinct and taking the ball to space. We have to have a relentless pursuit. We have tried different situations, different scoring situations in practice to get them in the competition mode. I am totally confident that we have the guts to do it. I think our ego is a little bruised, but we have to jump back on the horse and try to find a way."
