Field Hockey Tops Iowa in Big Ten Opener

Sept. 24, 2010

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Rolf | Jantine

EAST LANSING, Mich.- The No. 7 Michigan State field hockey team defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, 1-0, at home in its first Big Ten conference match of the season on Friday. Senior forward Jantine Steinmetz had the lone goal for the Spartans in their ninth win of the season.

In the first half, both teams battled back and forth on both ends of the field but neither could connect on a shot. Senior midfielder Angela Pagura and Steinmetz each had excellent crosses, but unfortunately no one was able to get a stick on them.

It wasn't until 29:18 that Steinmetz tallied her game winning goal. The senior, who now has five goals and four assists this season, received a pass from senior back Joelle van Ierland at the top left side of the circle. Steinmetz fired in a shot that beat Iowa goaltender, Kathleen McGraw, on her right side. This was van Ierland's seventh assist this season.

Freshman goaltender Molly Cassidy recorded three saves for her fourth career shut-out. The Spartans outshot the Hawkeyes, 11-3, and edged them in corners, 4-2. McGraw finished the game with a total of five saves.

"With the opening weekend, playing the first game, everybody was excited and anxious as well," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "I think in the first half we showed that. We didn't completely take control of the game but we made some adjustments at half time. I think in the second half, we started to dominate the play more."

The Spartans travel to Ann Arbor, Mich. on Friday, Oct.1, to face Big Ten rival Michigan at 4 p.m. They then return home on Sunday, Oct. 3, to play against Ohio at 1 p.m.