Michigan State University
Ohio State
Field Hockey Eliminated from Big Ten Tournament
11/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Nov. 3, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Michigan State field hockey team was eliminated in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament by No. 2 seed Ohio State. The Buckeyes topped the Spartans, 2-1, in a match where all three goals were scored in the second half. Freshman Abby Barker scored the lone goal for the Spartans in the post-season game.
"I was pleased with our performance today," commented head coach Helen Knull. "We had another battle against Ohio State except this time we came up short. We had many positives and learning moments to take from this season and the future is bright for Michigan State Field Hockey. Thank you to our two seniors, Holly Sherman and Angie Lucik. Their passion and drive for the program will be missed."
Ohio State's offense dominated in the first half, firing a total of 13 shots. Redshirt goaltender Molly Cassidy stood strong in net, stopping eight attempts.
The Buckeyes were able to get on the board five minutes in the second half of play, when Arielle Cowie gathered the ball inside the circle and took a shot that flew into the left side of the cage.
MSU would fight back and even up the score at 48:38. Junior Adelle Lever passed the ball through two defenders to Barker who notched her ninth goal of the season. The Spartans had generated an offensive attack in the second half, recording six shots.
Three minutes later, Jenn Sciulli would secure the Buckeye victory after converting on her shot on a corner play. The assist was credited to Pastor-Pitarque.
Cassidy ended the tournament match with a total of 10 saves. Overall OSU held the advantage in shots, 20-7, and in corners, 10-5.
