Field Hockey Tops Ohio State, Gets First Conference Win

The No. 16 Michigan State Spartans field hockey team traveled down to Columbus, Ohio this weekend to take on Ohio State in their first taste of Big 10 competition this season. The Spartans topped the Ohio State University Buckeyes in overtime with a goal from senior forward Abby Barker to go 1-0 in conference play.

Ohio State struck first with a goal by freshman Maddy Humphrey off of a penalty corner. About nine minutes later, the Buckeyes made it 2-0 when senior Kaitlyn Wagner hit home a rebound past the Spartan goalkeeper, Sierra Patton.

The Spartans came back and scored two goals before the end of the half to make it 2-2. Senior midfielder Becky Stiles put the Spartans on the board with a shot about five yards out. Senior Allie Ahern tied it up one second before the end of the first half off of a penalty corner.

The Spartans made the lead 3-2 early into the second half when Ahern got her second goal of the day. That goal was also off of a penalty corner.

After trailing for nearly 20 minutes, Ohio State finally got the equalizer when Humphrey scored her second goal of the day. The score would be tied 3-3 going into the overtime session.

Barker would win it for the Spartans when she dribbled into the circle, and ripped a shot into the upper right part of the net. Patton made eight saves in the win.

The Spartans are now 5-2 on the season and 1-0 in Big Ten play. They will come back to East Lansing to take on Penn State next weekend. The game is set for Sept. 26 at 4 p.m.


Max Benoit is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports

Photo: David Defever/Impact Sports