After coming off a double overtime loss to Penn State last weekend, the Spartans were looking to bounce back on Tuesday at Ralph Holmes Field against the Central Michigan Chippewas.

The Spartans did just that, but not in the prettiest way. MSU outplayed the Chips, but failed to execute on most of their opportunities. Spartan forward, Abby Barker scored the only goal of Tuesday’s contest, which was enough to defeat Central Michigan, 1-0.

“Today was definitely a confidence booster, since Penn State was a really tough loss,” said junior Abby Barker. “It was a quick turn-around, but I think we pulled it together and it wasn’t the prettiest hockey, but a wins a win.”

Heather Howie was given the assist on Barker’s goal.

The Spartans out-shot the Chippewas 17-2 and had seven corners, but only capitalized on one of them. Getting a win is important, but MSU wasn’t pleased with their performance.

“I think there is a lot of things to work on in practice this week,” said junior forward Heather Howie. “We need to work on our set routines, corners, press and outletting. Just getting back to basics.”

“Coming off of Saturday, it’s tough getting up for another game within a couple days and I think we saw that today,” said head coach Helen Knull.

This Saturday (10/26), the Spartans will host the Northwestern Wildcats at Ralph Holmes Field at 1 p.m. for Senior Night. Currently, both teams are tied for second in the Big Ten standings with a 3-1 record.

With a few more days to rest, look at film and work on tactics, the Spartans are looking to play much better against a tough Big Ten opponent.

“It would have been nicer if we played a better game,” Knull said. “The girls were happy we won, but they were not pleased with their performance. So I think Saturday we have to come out and prove something.”

David Defever is the host of Behind The Mask for Impact Sports

Photo: David Defever