So far this season, the Spartans only have been scheduled to compete on weekends. Wednesday’s game marks the first time the players will have to juggle a game with attending class, but first-year head coach Helen Knull doesn’t think the midweek matchup will affect her team’s play.

“It’s just another game; it just happens to fall on a Wednesday,” Knull said. “The girls have class in the morning, and then we leave. So it’s just like going to practice.”

The Spartans expect a tough game from their in-state rivals, and Knull cited Central Michigan’s recent 1-0 loss to then-No. 12 Iowa as an example of their tenacity. The Hawkeyes are ranked seventh overall in the nation for offense, yet they were only able to score a single goal against the Chippewas. The Spartans will have to find a way to crack that stingy defense if they want to come away with a victory.

“Central is as tough of a team as anyone,” Knull said. “They’re always fired up. They’re feisty. We expect to see an aggressive style of play.”

Freshman forward Abby Barker had a breakout performance against Providence on Sunday, tallying two goals — including the eventual game winner — in the Spartans’ 3-2 victory. An encore from Barker, along with strong offensive play from freshman forward Allie Ahern and junior forward Chelsy Coil, could help to propel the Spartans to another victory.

Defensively, sophomore goalie Molly Cassidy is key to MSU’s success against Central Michigan. Cassidy has already racked up 53 saves on the season but only has one shutout so far to show for it. Help from senior backs Angie Lucik and Holly Sherman should lift some of the weight off of Cassidy’s shoulders, and a second shutout isn’t out of reach for this young team.

Although the start of the Big Ten season looms ever nearer, the Spartans remain focused on their game against the Chippewas.

“We can’t let (our guard) down,” Barker said. “Just because they’re not in the Big Ten doesn’t mean we shouldn’t play them like we would any other Big Ten team.”