Spartans Suffer Overtime Loss to Northwestern

Sept. 30, 2006

EVANSTON, Ill. - Becky Manning posted her first goal of the season to force overtime against Northwestern on Saturday, but the Wildcats capitalized on a penalty corner as time ran out, to come away with a 3-2 win. Northwestern went up 2-0 early in the first half, but MSU freshman Floor Rijpma got the Michigan State offense going with a goal at 20:27 to post a 2-1 score at the half. The Spartans fall to 0-2 in Big Ten play following the loss.

Northwestern (6-6, 1-1 Big Ten) controlled the game early, posting goals at 3:19 and 7:25 to pull ahead 2-0. Following a lightning delay, the Spartans were able to regroup and take control of the game, cutting the Wildcat lead in half with Rijpma's goal at 20:27. The teams were even with seven shots apiece at the end of the first half, although MSU (3-8, 0-2 Big Ten) held a 5-3 advantage on penalty corners.

MSU continued to dominate the second half out shooting Northwestern 14-7, again holding a an advantage in penalty corners, 9-5. Manning knotted up the game 1-1 with 10 minutes left in to go in the second half to give the Spartans a chance at victory in overtime.

"The biggest thing for us is finding a way to convert on our opportunities before overtime becomes an issue," said MSU head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof.

The score remained 1-1 for the entire overtime period, but Northwestern was given two penalty corners after the clock ran down. The Wildcats were able to convert on the second corner to earn the win.

Michigan State goalkeeper Stephanie Yuhasz anchored the Spartan defense with 13 saves in the game. MSU will continue Big Ten play on Oct. 6, against in-state rival Michigan in Ann Arbor.