Michigan State University
Iowa
Spartans Upset No. 12 Iowa
10/17/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State upset No. 12 Iowa at Ralph Young Field on Friday afternoon, a 2-0 victory to improve to 8-6 on the year and 3-3 in Big Ten play. The Spartans rode a solid team defensive effort that resulted in Sierra Patton's first career shutout over the highly-touted Hawkeye offense.
"Going into today, we knew we were right below Iowa in the standings," said head coach Helen Knull. "Every win counts. Right now, confidence is huge. The closer and tighter our games are now, it will help us once we get into the Big Ten Tournament."
For the first time in 10 games and just third time all year, the Spartans got on the board first, in the 13th minute on Kirstin Matula's second goal of the season. Senior back Michelle Graham fired a shot from the top right of the circle that went wide, but Matula was in front to redirect the shot into the back of the net.
Iowa came into the game with two of the top-five scorers in the Big Ten in Natalie Cafone and Stephanie Norlander, and as a team ranked ninth in the nation in goals per game (3.43). However, it was the Spartan defense that set the tone early, allowing just two first half shots from the Hawkeyes.
"We talked about neutralizing Cafone and Norlander because once they get going, they find each other," said Knull. "I thought our backs did a great job stepping up on them today. Our big thing was making them play the hardest shot possible and not giving them free shots. Today, there was pressure on every shot that they had - and that was what we were looking for."
Trailing at the half, Iowa came out for the second period on the offensive, outshooting the Spartans 16-3 in the second half and holding a 7-1 advantage in penalty corners. The Hawkeyes generated several opportunities deep in Michigan State territory, but the Spartan defense held strong, highlighted by 10 second half saves from Patton.
"Iowa played a really solid second half," said Knull. "The fact that we were up allowed us to play relaxed. That allowed us to set the tone and react to what they were doing. The biggest thing for us is that we know we played 70 minutes of our hockey today and that is the first game all season that we have put together."
Trailing by one, Iowa forced a turnover that resulted in a Cafone breakaway up the left side. A closing Spartan defender put pressure on Cafone as she took a shot that was saved by the charging Patton to preserve the lead.
"Having my defense today helped out a lot," said Patton. "Their man-marking was on point. That contributed so much because that allowed me to take the straight on shot, rather than having to deal with deflections."
The Spartans added an insurance goal in the 61st minute after Kristin Matula sent a long pass up the left side to Abby Barker. Barker dribbled into the circle and drew a penalty shot after being taken down by an Iowa defender. Alli Helwig stepped up to take the shot and converted into the top right corner for her fourth goal of the season.
Michigan State returns to action on Sunday at noon when it plays host to Big Ten leader and No. 9 Northwestern.
