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Michigan State Falls Short Against Michigan in Big Ten Quarterfinals, 3-1
4/21/2021 4:21:00 PM | Field Hockey
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State's field hockey team went into the fourth quarter tied with No. 2 and top-seeded Michigan, but the Wolverines scored a pair of goals en route to a 3-1 win over the Spartans on Wednesday afternoon at Dr. Christine Grant Field in Iowa City, Iowa.
The loss ends Michigan State's season with a 2-14 overall record, while Michigan improves to 11-2.
"I'm proud of my team and the effort we put out not only today, but through what has been a challenging year and season for all of us," Head Coach Helen Knull said. "We knew today was going to be a challenge because they are a very good team. Michigan capitalized on its opportunities to win the game.
"I'm proud of student-athletes, staff and everyone who made this season possible. There have been a lot of sacrifices and challenges to play this season. I would to thank everyone at Michigan State, the Big Ten Conference and everyone who created the path for this season to be completed."
Trailing by one at halftime, Michigan State equalized in the 43rd minute when sophomore defender Nienke Blooemsaat (Ooserhout, The Netherlands/Sint-Oelbert Gymnasium) intercepted a clearance attempt by Michigan. Classmate Merel Hanssen (Maastricht, The Netherlands/Elzendaal College Boxmeer) put the ball into the circle and senior Lia Sinisi (North Caldwell, N.J./West Essex) picked up a loose ball after it bounced off a defender and tapped it in at 42:30 for the tie.
Michigan took the lead for good six minutes later when Sarah Pyrtek took a blast from the right side of the net, a shot that hit the far left corner of the goal. The Wolverines added a third goal in the 54th minute.
The Wolverines had taken a 1-0 lead early in the second quarter on a shot from Tina D'Anjolell.
Michigan out-shot Michigan State, 26-1, and had a 6-0 edge in penalty corners.
The loss ends Michigan State's season with a 2-14 overall record, while Michigan improves to 11-2.
"I'm proud of my team and the effort we put out not only today, but through what has been a challenging year and season for all of us," Head Coach Helen Knull said. "We knew today was going to be a challenge because they are a very good team. Michigan capitalized on its opportunities to win the game.
"I'm proud of student-athletes, staff and everyone who made this season possible. There have been a lot of sacrifices and challenges to play this season. I would to thank everyone at Michigan State, the Big Ten Conference and everyone who created the path for this season to be completed."
Trailing by one at halftime, Michigan State equalized in the 43rd minute when sophomore defender Nienke Blooemsaat (Ooserhout, The Netherlands/Sint-Oelbert Gymnasium) intercepted a clearance attempt by Michigan. Classmate Merel Hanssen (Maastricht, The Netherlands/Elzendaal College Boxmeer) put the ball into the circle and senior Lia Sinisi (North Caldwell, N.J./West Essex) picked up a loose ball after it bounced off a defender and tapped it in at 42:30 for the tie.
Michigan took the lead for good six minutes later when Sarah Pyrtek took a blast from the right side of the net, a shot that hit the far left corner of the goal. The Wolverines added a third goal in the 54th minute.
The Wolverines had taken a 1-0 lead early in the second quarter on a shot from Tina D'Anjolell.
Michigan out-shot Michigan State, 26-1, and had a 6-0 edge in penalty corners.
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