Michigan State University
Michigan
Field Hockey Drops Exhibition to Michigan
8/23/2011 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 23, 2011
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Helen
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The No. 13 Michigan State field hockey team was finally able to compete in its exhibition match against Michigan, this time under sunny skies. No. 9 Michigan was able to defeat the Spartans 2-0 after two 35-minute halves and an extra 15 minute overtime.
"I was pleased with the adjustments made after halftime," said head coach Helen Knull. "First half, it took a while for us to get into our groove and kind of play our game. We let Michigan dictate the style of play for a little bit. We just went in the second half and I'm happy we the changes that we made and it puts us in good place for the weekend."
During the first half of play, MSU was able to gain two corner play opportunities while Michigan was only able to register one shot on goal. Both teams remained scoreless until 2:09 was left on the clock when Racheal Mack was able to knock in a pass from Michelle Roberts to give the Wolverines a one-goal advantage. The tandem was able to connect again halfway through the overtime period, this time with Roberts scoring off of an assist from Mack.
The Spartans ended the contest with a total of four shots on goals and six corner plays. The two teams then each had a chance to practice corner plays taking turns with ten plays each for both offense and defense.
Michigan State kicks off nonconference play this weekend when they travel to Louisville, Ky. First up on the docket for the Spartans is California who they will face on Saturday, Aug. 27th at 6 p.m. MSU then faces the host school, Louisville on Sunday, Aug. 28th at 6 p.m.
