Michigan State University
Ball State
Field Hockey Shuts Out Ball State, 1-0
10/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 8, 2011
MUNCIE, Ind. - Led by freshman Abby Barker's sixth goal of the season, Michigan State (6-8, 0-2 Big Ten) blanked Ball State, 1-0 on the road in Muncie, Ind. The shutout counted as goaltender Molly Cassidy's second of the season and the seventh of her career; she recorded six saves.
"Today we got the win, however, Ball State were unlucky not to score on a number of their opportunities in the second half," commented head coach Helen Knull. "As a team we have to improve on our preparation for games and execute at a higher level."
Michigan State came out strong in the first five minutes on offense. The lone goal of the game came at 16:21 when Barker pulled the goaltender out of her cage and shot the ball over her head. The freshman forward leads the Spartans with six goals and one assist, and now has three game-winning goals this season.
Both teams went scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Cardinals put the pressure on the Spartan defense, tallying 10 of their 12 shots in the second half.
Devanny Kuhn led the offensive attack for the Cardinals, registering six shots. Michigan State outshot Ball State 15-12, but was edged in corners 6-5.
The Spartans are back in action tomorrow, Sunday Oct. 8th, traveling to No. 15 Indiana. The conference match is slated to begin at 1 p.m. and will be aired on tape-delay on the Big Ten Network at 4 p.m.
