No. 20 Field Hockey Falls in Double Overtime

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EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State field hockey team dropped a double-overtime heartbreaker, 2-1, to No. 6 Virginia on Friday afternoon at Ralph Young Field. Sophomore Abby Barker scored the lone State goal, while redshirt junior Molly Cassidy made eight saves for the Spartans, who fall to 3-2 overall with the tough loss.

"The team performance was excellent today," said head coach Helen Knull. "We executed the plays well and were prepared for all the corners. Everyone contributed today while staying motivated throughout the entire length of the game."

The first goal of the game came at 2:28 from Virginia's Paige Selenski, as she scored her 11th goal this season.

Abby Barker scored for the Spartans at 8:48, tying the score 1-1. Barker's third goal of the season occurred during a breakaway from 30 yards out.

Both teams fought for possession of the ball throughout the remainder of regulation, playing through a scoreless second half and first overtime, with only four shots recorded between the two teams.

The game-winning goal came from Virginia's Elly Buckley in the 87th minute. She scored off of a close shot from the right side of the net after receiving a pass from Selenski.

The Michigan State defense had an impressive day, as the Cavaliers recorded 16 penalty corners and 23 shots overall in the contest. Alli Helwig recorded her first defensive save of her career. MSU had five penalty corners and 10 shots.

The Spartans continue their seven-game homestand on Sunday, Sept. 9, against No. 14 Northeastern. The Big Ten coverage will continue on btn.com for the matchup against the Huskies at 2 p.m.