EAST LANSING – A deceptively warm day met the Spartans as they hosted the Kent State University Golden Flashes. The Spartans donned their pink uniforms and socks for their first game of October.
The Spartans struck quickly with the first goal of the game, just 16 seconds in. Senior Ellie Rutherford hit the back of the net with an unassisted goal. The Spartans kept this momentum going as they controlled the game in the offensive zone.
An unfortunate takeaway above the circle and a smart play was all Kent State needed to capitalize on to net their first of the game. The goal was scored by Emma Rolston, unassisted.
The Spartans refused to let that dull their energy. A breakaway in front of the net allowed the Spartans to regain their lead with a goal from Brynn Shaffer, assisted by Ellie Rutherford.
Trying to keep the energy going, Skylar Santucci worked in a great opportunity within the circle, resulting in a high-quality shot on goal that Kent State goalkeeper Lieve Jansen kicked away.
The Spartans continued the momentum with connected passes for good upfield movement. This was halted by an interception in their defensive zone, leading to a turnover in the circle. A scramble in front of the net resulted in a goal for Kent State by Eva Usoz, evening out the score once again.
Michigan State kept up their efforts with good defensive plays and keeping pressure on the ball. They were able to earn their first offensive corner of the game with 19 seconds left in the first quarter. This penalty was successfully defended against by Kent State.
The teams continued to battle once the second period started. The Spartans were able to put pressure on the Kent State defense before having to eventually face a defensive penalty of their own.
Sophomore goalie Lyra Gavino fought off a strong shot from the top of the circle as well as the scramble in front of the net that ensued.
Both teams continued the fight for the lead point, with consistent efforts and carry-ins from Carmen Pucheta and Bianca Pizano.
The Spartans were forced to fight off two more defensive corners. Lyra Gavino blocked a strong shot from the top of the circle before another corner was called.
The second corner led to another goal being scored against MSU by Agustina Florio, with an assist from Emma Rolston.
Shaking off the goal deficit, the Spartans returned aggressive on offense. A strong carry-in by Jillian Bonczewski led to an earned offensive corner to end the second quarter.
MSU started the third quarter off with momentum, controlling the ball in the offensive zone. The Kent State defense fought back hard, managing to block the many shots thrown their way.
The back-and-forth continued throughout the period until MSU earned another offensive corner. But the game remained 2-3 at the end of the third.
The fourth quarter was a continuation of both team’s aggressive efforts. Kent State started off controlling the period before the Spartans regained their momentum. Throughout the fourth quarter, the Spartans earned themselves nine total penalty corners. The game-tying goal was scored by Maddie Lawlor with an assist from Emma O’Neill with a little over a minute left in the game, forcing the game to a sudden death overtime.
The Spartans controlled the majority of overtime, spending most of the time in the offensive zone putting pressure on the Kent State defense, who were able to fight off all the shots taken. They were also able to defend against the surges of the Golden Flashers, pushing the game into double overtime.
Kent State started 2OT with stronger defense, stepping up and challenging the Spartans’ possession more aggressively, as the Spartans were able to make it into the circle and earn two more offensive corners. MSU was able to get some dangerous shots on goal, being deflected by goalie Lieve Jansen.
Gaining back some momentum, the Golden Flashers were able to travel upfield and force a corner against the Spartans halfway through the second overtime. But the Spartans weren’t going to give up the fight, putting forward great defense to win back the ball and move back up the field.
The Spartans earned two more offensive corners but were unable to capitalize on the chances. The second overtime ended with the score remaining tied at three, resulting in a shootout.
The teams took turns trading goals, where the Spartans eventually fell after a goal from KSU’s Agustina Florio, sealing the victory for the Golden Flashers with four points.
The Spartans made a tremendous effort throughout the game, earning a total of 16 corners, but only being able to capitalize on one.
Taking advantage of these opportunities is going to be a focus of the team before the next upcoming B1G game. “We’re not going to get 16 corners against Maryland, so we have to find ways to finish the opportunities that we have,” said MSU head coach Helen Knull.
The Spartans will be hosting the University of Maryland later this week on Friday, October 11.
