Michigan State University
Ohio State
Field Hockey Eliminated by Top-Seeded Ohio State
11/5/2010 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Nov. 5, 2010
EVANSTON, Ill. - The fourth-seeded Michigan State field hockey team (15-5, 3-3) was eliminated from the Big Ten Tournament on Friday when they were blanked, 2-0, by top-seeded Ohio State (16-3, 5-1). The Spartans fell to the Buckeyes for the second time this season, this time in the semifinal round of the conference tournament at Northwestern.
Freshman goaltender Molly Cassidy stepped up big for the Spartans from the beginning of the match, recording four saves overall. Cassidy denied the Buckeyes many scoring opportunities but unfortunately could not stop a corner shot from Ohio State's leading scorer, Aisling Coyle, at 25:56. OSU kept the pressure on the Michigan State defense most of the first half, tallying six of their nine total shots in the first thirty-five minutes of play.
Coming out into the second half, the momentum seemed to be going in MSU's favor. The Spartans were able to get off five shots at their opponents cage, but could not sneak one by goaltender Ally Tunitis. On offense, senior forward Anglea Pagura lead the team with two shots.
The Buckeyes were able to secure the victory over the Spartans with an insurance tally when Paula Pastor-Pitarque scored off of a OSU penalty corner at 65:56. Berta Queralt, who also assisted on the first goal of the day, also had the helper on Pastor-Pitarque's marker.
"Although we are not advancing to the tournament championship game, I want to compliment and congratulate my team for playing its best hockey so far this season," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "I am very proud of the way the team prepared for today's game, executed the game plan and applied the coaching points throughout the game. Our individual and team defense was excellent and offensively we grew stronger throughout the game."
The Spartans must now wait to see if they will receive an NCAA bid in hopes of continuing their season. The Division I field hockey tournament selection show will be streamed live on NCAA.com at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9.
"I am excited for our opportunities to continue playing some great Spartan Field Hockey in the NCAA Tournament next weekend," said van de Kerkhof. "We will have to be patient to learn more about our NCAA destiny until the NCAA Selection Show this Tuesday."
