Michigan State University
Ohio State
Field Hockey Wins Big Ten Opener
9/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
"Because of all of the overtime periods, when we get there we know what we are doing and don't panic," said head coach Helen Knull. "There is a sense that we've been in situations like this before and have won games. Obviously, we would like to do it in regulation, but I'm proud of the way the girls have handled themselves in pressure situations."
MSU had to fight from behind on Friday in Columbus, as it has had to do in each game of the current three-game winning streak. The Spartans trailed 2-0 in the first half, giving up two goals off penalty corners, but were able to tie the game up before halftime.
Becky Stiles got the scoring started for the Spartans in the 29th minute with her second goal of the season. Stiles gathered the ball in the circle from about five yards out and put it in the back of the net to cut the deficit to one. With the time winding down before the break, the Spartans drew a penalty corner just as the horn sounded. MSU made the most of the opportunity, as Abby Barker connected on the entry pass with Allie Ahern, who finished the play.
MSU carried that momentum into the second half, taking a 3-2 lead five minutes into the frame. Ahern made the Buckeyes pay for a forced turnover when she took it in to score her second goal on the afternoon and sixth of the season.
Barker and Ahern have been on an offensive tear during the team's winning streak, combining for eight goals, four assists, and 20 points.
"What makes those two so good is their experience - and they are exceptionally fast and dynamic players who know how to finish under pressure," said Knull. "Every game, they bring energy and that comes with experience. They can find each other this year more than ever and that is a deadly combination."
Ohio State responded in the 58th minute and tied the game up on their third goal of the game off a penalty corner. Patton looked to have a beat on the ball, but it was redirected in front and got by the keeper.
The Buckeyes had a great chance to win the game in the closing minutes with four consecutive penalty corners, but MSU held off each of them to force overtime. The Buckeyes owned a 15-5 advantage in corners for the game.
"They had a flurry of corners that we were lucky to get away from," said Knull. "As a coach, I would rather have them keep getting corners than goals. To our credit, we kept them at bay and kept it tied up to get us to overtime where we had another chance."
In the overtime period, Michigan State used the extra space to its advantage, connecting on long passes and generating fast breaks. Allie Ahern had two great chances in open space, but was stopped by a diving OSU goalie each time. Eventually, Barker broke loose up the left side and to the endline, where she squeezed a backhand through a small window and into the upright corner.
Michigan State returns home next weekend, and will host a pair of games against two highly-ranked opponents after five consecutive games on the road. The Spartans will play host to No. 6 Penn State on Friday at 4 p.m. and No. 2 Maryland on Sunday at 1 p.m.
