Spread-out Attack Powers Spartans in Exhibition Wins

The No. 20 Michigan State women’s field hockey team got off to an undefeated start this past weekend, winning both exhibition games against Central Michigan and Kent State.

Seven different Spartans accounted for the 10 total goals scored on Saturday.

In the opening game, the Spartans faced Central Michigan, a game Michigan State dominated from the first center pass. Goals from Allie Ahern, Abby Barker, Becky Stiles and Kristin Matula, all in the first 10 minutes of play, fueled the Spartans to a 4-1 lead at the half.

Senior Heather Howie notched the last goal of the contest late in the second half to give Michigan State a convincing 5-1 victory.

The second game of the day started differently for Michigan State, as they trailed Kent State 3-1 in the second half. The Spartan comeback began with a goal from sophomore Megan Fenton. Jenni Smith then followed up with her second tally of the game to tie the score at 3-3.

The Spartans took the lead with eight minutes remaining on Ahern’s second goal in two games. Barker, a senior, added her second goal of the day, and Michigan State earned a comeback win with a score of 5-3.

The Spartans’ regular season schedule kicks off this Friday, with a 3 p.m. home game against No. 3 Duke.


Brian Bobal is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports.

Photo: David Defever/Impact Sports