Spartans Set to Spar in B1G Showdown
9/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 23, 2015
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
The first week of league play featured surprises, upsets, and heartbreaks -- one of which being Michigan State holding its own and going undefeated in the first weekend against two worthy opponents.
The Spartans (5-1-3, 1-0-1 B1G) will need to transition their focus to a much-anticipated game-- hosting the University of Michigan (7-3-0, 2-0-0 B1G) at home on Friday at 4:00 p.m.
Many of the team's seniors will be looking for their first win against Michigan, as the last win came at DeMartin in 2011 -- a 2-0 shutout win. The previous three meetings have resulted in 2-1 heartbreak losses for the Spartans, including one competition that went into overtime.
Mary Kathryn Fiebernitz says that being an in-state rivalry makes the game that much more exciting, especially for her senior year.
"It's going to be a battle for sure," Fiebernitz said. "It's always a war with them. Last year's game in Ann Arbor was a really good game back and forth. We're going to come out battling."
The game will pit second-place Michigan against MSU, which currently sits in fourth, although tied for conference points with Northwestern. Worth noting is that two players recently recognized by the conference will be leading their teams against one another as the Spartans' Lexy Warner, Big Ten Freshman of the Week, will look to find her way into the Wolverine backline led by senior Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, Christina Murillo. Although Murillo is a midfielder/defensive player, she tallied a pair of assists last week in her team's two wins.
As of Sept. 20, Michigan's offense dominated the conference, leading the league in goals, goals per game, shots, and assists. Murrillo plays a dominant role in this effort.
However, the Spartan defense was responsible for limiting both Iowa and Nebraska's potent offensive lines. Senior Spartan goalkeeper Gabrielle Gauruder, who is fifth in the conference in saves, save percentage, and saves per game, has three shutouts to her credit and 37 total saves.
Michigan State head coach Tom Saxton said that most of his squad is made of Michigan natives, saying that they'll "be on fire" for the rivalry game.
"Michigan is a very good team from watching them play Nebraska Friday night," he said. "One of the best in the conference. We'll go into the game as underdogs on paper, but you know, in any sport on campus, when you're playing Michigan, throw the records out the window and watch for a great game. And that's what I expect on Friday."
