Michigan State University
2-0
Baylor
0-2
Spartans Best Bears
8/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
East Lansing, Mich. -
Coming off a weekend win in their season opener, the Spartans fought through 90 minutes of intense, physical play to win their first ever matchup against Baylor University, 2-1, on Monday night in Waco, Texas.
Senior Mary Kathryn Fiebernitz ignited her team in 36th minute to put the Spartans on the scoreboard with her first goal of the season.
Michigan State head coach Tom Saxton credited Fiebernitz with a "brilliant" goal, a second chance off a corner kick which required the left-footed center back to take a right-footed shot.
MSU held Baylor scoreless throughout the first half despite a few close calls. Senior goalkeeper Gabrielle Gauruder stepped up in net posting four saves and eventually gained the win.
The second half proved a battle of wills as Spartan senior Kirsten Evans would follow Fiebernitz's footsteps to cushion the MSU lead to 2-0 in the 79th minute.
Saxton not only praised Evans' "fantastic" performance coming off the bench, but stressed both her, as well as Gauruder's contribution of critical saves, as essential to the win.
In a tempestuous four-minute period towards the later end of the second half, junior Jessica Kjellstrom would receive a yellow card followed shortly by Baylor's McKenna Martin heading in a goal off a Bri Campos assist.
Saxton praised his team for not only keeping their composure after the goal but for countering the Bears' aggressive formation on the field.
"Their style of play was very direct," Saxton said. "Tonight's game was one of most physical battles we've been involved in for a long time. They launch the ball towards goal and that's something we're not as used to."
The Spartan backline would pull together for the remaining six minutes of the full ninety to help MSU improve to 2-0 overall.
The Spartans will head back to face Oakland University on the road, Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.
Saxton says that he intends to let his team recover, allowing for fresh minds and recovery in order to stay hungry for the remainder of the week's action.
Team Stats
Fiebernitz, Mary-Kat (1)
GOAL by MSU Fiebernitz, Mary-Kat (FIRST GOAL), goal number 1 for season.
35:03
Evans, Kirsten (1)
GOAL by MSU Evans, Kirsten, goal number 1 for season.
78:15
Martin, McKenna (1)
Assisted By: Campos, Bri
Header GOAL by BU Martin, McKenna, Assist by Campos, Bri, goal number 1 for season.
84:51
