Michigan State University
Louisville
Field Hockey Downed by No.9 Louisville, 2-1
11/1/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
EAST LANSING, Mich.- No.19 Michigan State concluded the regular season on Saturday afternoon, falling to No. 9 Louisville, 2-1. MSU ends the regular season with a 10-8 record and 4-4 mark in Big Ten play.
"I am obviously disappointed that we didn't get the win," said head coach Helen Knull. "The second half, I thought we dominated a lot of the possession and shots, and their keeper just came up with some big saves. I think we played well today. It was a highly emotional game, and it was just like a tournament game out there. For our seniors, it was their last home game and they wanted to win, so there was that sense of desperation. That is how it is going to be starting Thursday in the Big Ten Tournament, so that will prepare us."
The game was a physical matchup between two ranked opponents, and the teams played to a draw in the first half. Louisville broke through less than two minutes into the second half with a goal on a penalty corner to give the Cardinals the first lead of the game.
Michigan State tied the game up in the 53rd minute on their first penalty corner of the contest. Sophomore forward Kristin Matula sent in the entry pass to Alli Helwig, who fired a shot that was saved. Senior Becky Stiles was there in front, picked up the rebound and put it home for her fourth goal of the season.
Louisville responded quickly and regained the lead less than two minutes later. The Cardinals were awarded a penalty corner, and a deflection in front by Mallory Mason beat Sierra Patton for the goal that would give Louisville the victory.
MSU kept the pressure on the Cardinals for much of the second half, forcing Louisville goalkeeper Sydney King to make six saves. Kendal Anderson and Abby Barker each had great chances that could have put the Spartans on the board, but great saves by King denied any chance of a Michigan State comeback.
The game featured six cards, including three yellow cards against Michigan State.
Michigan State starts Big Ten Tournament play on Thursday in Ann Arbor. Pending results from this weekend's Big Ten matches will determine MSU's Spartans first-round matchup.
