Spartans Stopped By Hoosiers

Oct. 11, 2014 Box Score EAST LANSING, Mich. - No. 20 Michigan State fell at Indiana on Saturday afternoon, 2-1, to drop to 7-5 on the year and 2-3 in Big Ten play. Sierra Patton made a career high 13 saves in the game, nine of which came in the second half.

"We only played one half today," said head coach Helen Knull. "We struggled with the basic skills and couldn't get much going in terms off offensive play. Defensively, as a team I thought we had one of the strongest performance of year. Sierra was in great position and had solid decision-making. She played a solid game and was ready to play and stick to the game plan."

The teams played through a scoreless first half, but the Hoosiers jumped out to a 1-0 lead early in the second frame. Indiana tacked on an insurance goal in the 54th minute on Audra Heliman's second goal of the game. The Hoosiers held momentum for much of the second half, outshooting MSU 17-9.

The Spartans cut the deficit to one in the 64th minute on a goal from sophomore Megan Fenton. Abby Barker sent a cross in from the right side that Fenton redirected our of the air and into the net for her fourth goal of the season. With the assist, Barker moves into a tie for fourth place all-time at MSU in career points.

"We have got to start playing 70 minutes of hockey and not another half game," said Knull. "No matter who the opponent is, MSU has to be the one to execute and that?s what were looking for tomorrow."

The Spartans return to action on Sunday when they take on Ball State on 1 p.m.