Spartans Drop Big Ten Opener to Buckeyes, 2-1

Sept. 18, 2015

EAST LANSING, Mich. â€" Michigan State moves to 3-4 on the season after a 2-1 loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten opener at Ralph Young Field. The Spartans move to 9-6 in Big Ten openers since 2000.

"I thought we controlled the tempo today, and we played some good hockey, but it doesn't matter if you don't get the goals," said head coach Helen Knull. "Our off-ball movement, our vision and our pace of play was great today. At the end of the day, you have to save the ball."

The first goal came from Ohio State's Maddy Humphry off of a penalty corner in the fourth minute to take an early 1-0 lead over the Spartans. The goal was assisted by Emma Royce.

MSU answered in the 13th minute as senior Mallory Tyler converted off of a pass from senior Heather Howie to tie the contest at 1-1. The goal, which was converted off of a short pass in front of the net, marks Tyler's second of the season.

OSU took a 2-1 lead heading into the half as Caroline Rath deflected a shot off of a penalty corner to find the back of the net for the Buckeyes in the 32nd minute.

Neither team could gain an edge in the second half, as shots were limited on both ends of the field. Each team took a timeout, but adjustments were unable to pay dividends.

The Buckeyes held on to win, 2-1, despite being out-shot 13-7 by the Spartans.

"The past couple of weeks we've really been talking about our passing and ball movement, and I thought today we really moved the ball well," said Knull. "We've got to keep doing what we're doing well and rolling with it, but we've got to clean up the details."

The Spartans attempted seven penalty corners in the contest to the Buckeye's four.

"We have to start executing our corners," said Knull. "We had seven corners today and 21 corners last weekend, and we're not finishing. There's some pressure on the girls to start finishing and start executing."

Redshirt junior goalkeeper Sierra Patton moved to 3-4 along with the Spartans, recording three saves in today's matchup.

Up next, the Spartans will face UC Davis at Ralph Young Field on Sunday, Sept. 20 at noon.

"We've got to find ways to rebound and make the change," said Knull. "I'm confident that we're going to make those changes, we're going to start seeing the results and then it's just a matter of building off of that. Sunday is another opportunity, and we're excited to be home again."

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Players Mentioned

Heather Howie

Sierra Patton

Mallory Tyler