Spartans Top Maine

Aug. 26, 2012

ORONO, Maine - The Michigan State field hockey team earned its first win of the season against Maine on Sunday, 3-1. Abby Barker scored two of the three Spartan goals, and Molly Cassidy recorded four saves for MSU.

"Today we played with intensity from the first whistle," said head coach Helen Knull. "As a team we were patient in our build up for the attack. We have improved our poise and possession since game one."

Allie Ahern and Barker scored their first goals of the season in the first half of the game. Scoring at 21:24, Ahern bounced the ball through the center and battled in past the defense. Barker scored with a shot from the right to the far post at 33:50.

Barker scored again in the second half, at 52:01, with an assist from Mallory Tyler. Tyler passed the ball from the right side of the circle to Barker, who scored with a swift hit of the ball into the net.

The Spartans were able to hold off the Black Bears until 57:58 when Cassidy Svetek scored her first goal of the season with an assist from Nicole Sevey. Svetek scored on a long pass from the right side of the field, then bringing it into the circle from the pass.

MSU and Maine had six penalty corners each, four per team in the first half and two in the second.

Five green cards were given, three to Maine and two to MSU. The Spartans received one yellow card in the second half.

"Leaving the weekend with a win is huge in our confidence going into next weekend playing at home against Stanford and Miami," said Knull.

The Spartans participate in their first home contests over Labor Day weekend. MSU will take on Stanford at 3 p.m. on Friday and Miami of Ohio at 4 p.m. on Sunday.