Michigan State University
Vermont
Spartans Claim 4-3 Overtime Victory Over Vermont
9/3/2017 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Box Score | PDF Box Score: MSU 4, Vermont 3 (OT)
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan State field hockey team defeated Vermont Sunday afternoon in thrilling fashion, rallying from a three-goal deficit to claim victory in overtime, 4-3, at Ralph Young Field.
The Spartans improve to 3-2 on the season while the Catamounts from Vermont fall to 2-2.
After falling behind 3-0, the Green and White scored the next four goals, three coming in the second period and the game-winner coming in overtime.
"I'm really proud of this team for rallying back from a three-goal deficit", said head coach Helen Knull. "However, we need to do a better job in the attack and defensive 25 being poised and executing our game plan for 70 minutes."
Freshman goalkeeper Mairi Fletcher earned the victory for MSU after replacing senior goalkeeper Katie Miller in the first period. Fletcher recorded three saves and allowed one goal. The freshman is 1-0 on her career.
Senior forward Sophie Macadre scored the game-winner when she found the back of the net at 84:41 from redshirt senior back Simone Vagnoni.
Vagnoni led the charge for the Spartans on the day, recording both a goal and an assist in the win.
The Spartans had two scoring opportunities as the first half expired on back-to-back penalty corners but were unable to convert.
The second half proved much different for MSU as it came out on fire, scoring a goal in the 36th minute when Kendal Anderson hit it in off her own miss.
At 53:46 freshman forward Meredith Ross scored off an assist from junior back Bailey Higgins.
Vagnoni tallied her goal on the day at 62:54 to send the game into overtime.
Both teams were evenly matched in the extra period until Macadre found an opening and fired one in from inside the circle for the win.
The Spartans are back in action at No. 23-ranked Old Dominion on Friday evening. The game, originally slated to begin at 6 p.m. ET has been moved to 5 p.m. ET.
