Michigan State University
Louisville
Spartans Down No. 14 Louisville in Champions Invitational, 4-1
8/25/2007 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 25, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State field hockey team opened the 2007 season with a 4-1 victory over the No. 14 Louisville Cardinals on Saturday in the Champions Invitational Tournament.
It was the Cardinals who jumped out of the gate with the first goal as Missy Briery took a feed from Allison Maffitt to take an early 1-0 lead in the contest.
It did not take long for the No. 19 Spartans to get the equalizer. A corner by Charlotte van der Laag was sent to Amy Schneider, who then set the table for Jeamie Deacon's first goal at the 4:08 mark.
Late in the half it was again Van der Laag and Schneider setting up a goal, this time by Geraldine Raynor, putting
The lead was stretched to 3-1 with Becky Manning's first goal of the season at 44:55, set up by junior Gwen Riley. Deacon capped the scoring and put the game out of reach with a final tally at the 55:17 mark.
Elissa Unger make two stops in goal for
The Spartans controlled play after the early Cardinals goal, finishing the game with an 8-3 corners advantage and outshooting them 12-5.
"This game sets a tone for the rest of the season," said Spartan head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof after the game.
He also pointed to his team's preparation as the key to the early victory.
"We were working hard through the preseason. We knew the team was progressing well and ready to start the season. The
The Spartans got strong efforts from some of their young players, including the two-goal performance from Deacon. "We now have more players that can finish," said van de Kerkhof. "It is good to have players that can make a difference when needed."
In the second game of the day,
The Champions Invitational Tournament continues tomorrow as
