Spartans Fall to Kent State

Sept. 17, 2010

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State field hockey team had their season-opening undefeated streak snapped on Friday when the squad fell on the road at Kent State, 2-0. The Spartans are now 7-1 on the season, including a 3-1 record on the road.

Kent State tallied their first goal of the game at 12:23, when Rebecca Lee took a pass from Nicole Leach on a two-on-one breakaway and snuck one past freshman goaltender Molly Cassidy. The Spartans stayed strong and tried to keep the Golden Flashes out of their side of the field by putting up a tough defensive effort.

The Golden Flashes opened up the second half with their second goal of the game at 38:34. Sabrina Binder assisted on Debbie Bell's goal that went to the left side of Cassidy. Michigan State became more aggressive on offense, recording seven shots and four corners but unfortunately couldn't put anything on the board.

"As a team we played well," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "We are in good condition, we just need to get the performance out of our team that we want. We have to improve on finishing the game and executing our game plan. We look forward to facing Boston University tomorrow"

MSU outshot Kent State 17-12 and also edged the Golden Flashes in corners 6-5. Senior forward Jantine Steinmetz led the Spartan offense with five shots and Cassidy finished the game up with six total saves. Kent State goalie Caroline Suitch ended the contest with a total of nine saves, and helped lead the Golden Flashes' defense to record their first shutout of the season.

The Spartans return to action tomorrow in Kent, Ohio, when they face No. 13 Boston University at 1 p.m in a neutral-site game.