Michigan State University
American
Spartans Stopped by No. 20 American
10/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Michigan State field hockey team was defeated by No. 20 American, 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in Washington, D.C. The Spartans drop to 5-8 on the year while the Eagles improve to 8-4. MSU cut the deficit to one with just over a minute to go, but American was able to hold on for the victory.
American capitalized on an early opportunity to take a 1-0 lead on its first penalty corner of the game just over two minutes into the game. The Eagles then extended the lead to two in the 20th minute on a goal by, Leah DiGiandomenico.
Trailing 2-0 at the break, MSU came out and got right back in the game with a goal in the early going. Kristin Matula put home her sixth goal of the year on an assist from Megan Fenton to make it 2-1.
In the 47th minute, AU regained its two-goal cushion that would prove to be pivotal. Michigan State earned a penalty corner in the game's closing minutes and Simone Vagnoni was able to convert and put the Spartans within striking distance, but the Eagles held off to keep the score at 3-2.
Katie Miller made three saves in 58 minutes and Sierra Patton registered one stop in 12 minutes of action.
American held a 17-4 advantage in shots and 13-7 edge in corners.
The Spartans return to action next Friday at Rutgers at 3 p.m. before welcoming Indiana to East Lansing on Sunday at 1 p.m.
