Spartan Field Hockey Drops Big Ten Contest

Oct. 6, 2006

Ann Arbor, Mich. - Michigan State freshman Sarah Jones scored a late second-period goal to give the Spartans a chance to force overtime, but MSU could not come up with an equalizer in a 2-1 loss to Michigan on Friday. The Wolverines caught the Michigan State defense off guard to take a 1-0 lead less than a minute into the second half, and Paige Laytos posted the game-winner for the Wolverines at 49:05.

The Spartans controlled much of the first half, keeping play around the Michigan (6-7-0, 2-1 Big Ten) goal, but were unable to convert on their nine shots. Floor Rijpma and Ashley Pernicano each had chances on a breakaway 18 minutes into the game, but Michigan goalkeeper Beth Riley was able to tally saves on both. Michigan State (4-9-0, 0-3 Big Ten) outshot Michigan 9-8, and had more chances on corners with five compared to the one by the Wolverines. Great play by both goalkeepers held the game was scoreless at the half.

Michigan gained control of the game tempo when the Spartan backfield lost focus in the first minute of second period to allow Lucia Belassi to give the Wolverines a 1-0 advantage at 35:39 off an assist by Paige Laytos. Michigan found the back of the net again at 49:05 when Laytos tipped the ball in at the left post off an Ashley Lennington assist. A Michigan State timeout allowed the Spartans to refocus and get back in the game. Jones posted an unassisted goal off a shot at the top of the circle to cut the Wolverine lead in half at 63:56, giving Michigan State an opportunity to get back into the game. The Spartans were able to get the ball back into Michigan territory, but were unable to convert in the end, allowing the Wolverines to come away with the 2-1 victory.

Yuhasz had five saves on 12 Wolverine shots. The Spartans outshot Michigan 15-12, although the Wolverines had a 6-3 advantage on penalty corners.

"We had a lot of opportunities in the first half, so it was unfortunate we couldn't take advantage of those," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "Once we were down 2-0 we had nothing to lose so we played hard and got Michigan back on their heels. Now we just need to continue to play hard and believe that we are good enough to beat anyone out there."

Michigan State will continue Big Ten play against the Iowa Hawkeyes in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 14. The game will begin 12 p.m. at the MSU Field Hockey Complex.