MSU Rallies to Defeat Rutgers, 4-3

Oct. 14, 2016

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Michigan State field hockey team rallied from a two-goal deficit on Friday afternoon, Oct. 14, to defeat Rutgers, 4-3. The Spartans were led by Kendal Anderson's two goals and a career-high 13 saves from Katie Miller. MSU improves to 6-8 on the year and 2-3 in the Big Ten, while Rutgers drops to 7-6 and 1-4 in league play.

"We started slow and a little too reactive today," said head coach Helen Knull. "We had some great attacking opportunities that resulted in our goals. Katie Miller was phenomenal in goal today. I would like to see a more balanced attack and defense on Sunday, but it was great to get another Big Ten win and we are now looking forward to being home on Sunday."

MSU struck first on Anderson's first goal of the game to take a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute. Kristin Matula tallied an assist on the play.

Rutgers tied it up on a penalty stroke in the 21st minute and then took the lead four minutes later when Linde van Schaik scored her third goal of the season to put RU up 2-1.

The Scarlet Knights extended their lead to 3-1 in the 43rd minute on a goal by Sarah Regn. Regn gathered a rebound in front after a penalty corner and put home her second goal of the season.

Trailing by two, MSU responded with a goal by Kristin Matula 33 seconds later to make it 3-2. Anderson came up with equalizer and her second goal of the day and team-leading 12th of the season in the 58th minute.

In the 60th minute, MSU regained the lead for good after a pass from Anderson led to a long breakaway for Sophie Macadre, who converted to give the Spartans the win.

"We had some beautifully executed passing combos today that allowed us to stretch the field, which led to goals," said Knull. "After we tied it up, we used the momentum to keep going and eventually take the lead."

Rutgers sent a flurry of shots Katie Miller's way, as the Scarlet Knights outshot MSU 27-13 for the game while owning an 18-7 advantage in corners. After making four saves in the opening frame, Miller came out and made nine second-half saves to give her a career-high 13 for the match.

RU threatened with the clock winding down, as they were awarded four penalty corners in the final minute. They sent three potential game-tying shots toward the net, with the first blocked before the next two were saved by Miller in the game's final 10 seconds.

MSU returns to action on Sunday when the welcome Indiana to East Lansing for a 1 p.m. contest.