Michigan State University
Stanford
Spartans Fall to No. 17 Stanford, 3-2
10/30/2016 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State field hockey team fell to No. 17 Stanford, 3-2, on a cold, gloomy Sunday afternoon in East Lansing. It was the last regular season game of the season for MSU and the Spartans recognized seven seniors before the game as part of Senior Day. Michigan State wraps up the regular season 8-11 overall and 3-5 in the Big Ten.
"I think we had quality opportunities and shots on goal today which was good," said head coach Helen Knull. "We talked about not having so many unforced turnovers that our opponents take advantage of and we have to clean that up. We forced the attack a lot at the end of the game today which was good to see. Two games this weekend against ranked opponents and both one-goal losses, so I think that is good for us confidence-wise going into the weekend, because we know we can play with anybody."
The Cardinal (11-5) capitalized on their first opportunity of the game and took the lead in the game's third minute. Stanford's Katie Keyser sent in a shot that Kristina Bassi redirected in front and into the back of the net to take the early 1-0 advantage.
The Spartans responded to knot things up in the 17th minute. Shelby Supica fired a shot that was saved, but Kendal Anderson was there in front for her team-leading 14th goal of the season to tie the game up at 1-1.
"That is rough when it is early in because you're in that hole already," said Knull. "Give our girls credit because I thought we were resilient in coming back and that was a positive for us."
Stanford would regain the momentum before the half and take a 2-1 lead into the break. It was Keyser again that facilitated the goal, as this time her shot off of a penalty corner was saved in front before the rebound was scooped up and put home by Fran Tew.
MSU held tough and kept the deficit to one for much of the second half, but Stanford came up with an insurance goal in the 63rd minute to make it 3-1.
The Spartans continued to fight and scored a goal to make it 3-2 with just over five minutes to play. MSU was awarded its first penalty corner of the afternoon and converted, as Simone Vagnoni sent a laser from the top of the circle and into the net for her third goal of the season. Addie Donaldson and Sophie Macadre both picked up assists on the play.
The game featured a tough defensive battle for most of the 70 minutes and Stanford held a 12-8 edge in shots and 4-1 advantage in corners.
Before the game, MSU's seven seniors - Caitlin Abbott, Mary Claire Abbott, Addie Donaldson, Megan Fenton, Kristin Matula. Sierra Patton and Shelby Supica - were recognized as part of Senior Day.
Michigan State now looks forward to postseason play where they will take on Michigan on 10 a.m. on Thursday in the Big Ten Tournament in College Park, Md.
