Spartans Lose in Overtime, 2-1

Oct. 12, 2014

EAST LANSING, Mich. - No. 20 Michigan State (7-6, 2-3) went to overtime for the seventh time this season on Sunday afternoon vs. Ball State, and it was the Cardinals that came out on top with the 2-1 victory.

In the extra period, the Cardinals got a two-on-one break up the right sideline. As soon as the ball was in the circle, Lexi Kavanaugh fired a shot that beat goalkeeper Sierra Patton for the game-winner.

Tied up at 1-1 in the second half, MSU generated several opportunities down the stretch, but came up just empty. In the 63rd minute, the Spartans stopped a Ball State penalty corner, facilitating a counter attack. A pass into the circle set up a chance for Megan Fenton, whose shot went just left of the cage. Minutes later, crisp stick-to-stick passing led to an Abby Barker cross in front that got by the Ball State goalie, but the Cardinal's defense managed to get a stick on the ball and break up the opportunity.

Michigan State drew a penalty corner as time expired, but Allie Ahern?s shot was blocked and cleared, sending the game to overtime.

MSU's lone goal on the afternoon came in the 25th minute from Abby Barker. After the Cardinals jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute, Barker tied the game up with her 12th goal of the season. Barker has now tallied a point a five straight games.

MSU concluded its road trip today and will return home next weekend to take on Iowa on Friday at 3 p.m. and Northwestern on Sunday at noon. Friday's game will be the annual "Pink Game" to raise awareness for breast cancer.