Spartan Field Hockey Drops Opener to Delaware

Aug. 26, 2006

DURHAM, N.C. - The Michigan State Field Hockey team took its first loss of the season Saturday against Delaware. The Spartans led 4-1 early, but were unable to hold off a scoring barrage in the second half.

"We had a great warm-up and a great first half," said first-year head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "We did everything we've been working on in preseason. We just need to pick up the pieces and recognize the areas we can improve on."

In the first half MSU outscored Delware 3-1. Sophomore Gwen Riley (Louisville, Ky.) got things started for State, scoring the team's first goal of the season at 11:32 on an assist from freshman Floor Rijpma (Bunnik, Netherlands). Ashley Smeltzer followed up quickly with a goal at 13:42 on an assist from fellow senior Kristin Dunn. Amy Schneider and Anne-Sophi van Rijswijk each notched an assist on a Geraldine Raynor goal at 15:41.

MSU carried the first-half intensity over to start off the second frame with Rijpma scoring her first collegiate goal at 37:37, but Delaware stole the momentum to put four unanswered goals on the board to close out the game. The Blue Hens were able to find holes in the MSU defense which resulted in quick scores from Delaware's Stephanie Swain at 48:34 and Katie Evans at 49:38. Alexis Esbitt tied up the game, 4-4, at 54:08 on a breakaway by Katie Evans. Molly Burke scored the game-winning goal for Delaware on a penalty corner at 68:22.

"It was a good game, we wish the result had been different, but it was a good learning experience. We know that we can score, we just have to improve on our defense." said Van de Kerkhof.

Michigan State continues action in the Champion's Invitational against No. 14 Louisville in a consolation match at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday in Durham, N.C.