EAST LANSING- The Michigan State field hockey team looks to end its seven-game losing streak against Ball State on Tuesday.  

The Spartans are coming off a loss at home on Sunday’s Senior Day to the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Despite an offensive comeback in the second half and a goal from freshman forward Caroline Horrace, assisted by graduate midfielder Maddie Lawlor, the team was unable to match the Mountaineers and fell 1-3.  

Michigan State is currently on the longest winless streak in the Big Ten conference and has a record of 3-9 overall. The Spartans are 1-3 at home on Ralph Young field and carry the momentum earned Sunday by ending their four-game scoring drought while looking to turn around as the last three weeks of the season close in.  

The Cardinals also come into Tuesday’s game on a winless stretch of six games and a four-game scoreless streak of their own. Ball State had five shots, three of which were on goal. Junior Goalkeeper Carleigh Hofelich made two saves to reach a season total of 62 to date. In the end, the Cardinals fell 0-1 to MAC opponent Ohio on Friday.  

For Michigan State, junior goalkeeper Lyra Gavino will be a key player in shutting down the Cardinals and turning around the Spartans’ performance. Gavino has tallied 74 saves this season and will likely be the starting goalkeeper for this non-conference matchup. 

For Ball State, junior forward Julia Verratti could be the key to breaking the scoring drought they have faced. Verratti leads the Cardinals with four goals and is expected to make Tuesday’s starting line-up. 

The Spartans and Cardinals look to face off Tuesday, October 14, at Ralph Young Field in East Lansing. Pass back is set for 1 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on Big Ten Plus.