MSU’s field hockey team is enjoying its first Big Ten title, after beating No. 16 Iowa 2-1 on Friday. The No. 6 Spartans (15-4, 5-1 Big Ten) share the title with No. 10 Ohio State, who also finished the conference 5-1.
The Spartans get the No. 1 seed going into the Big Ten Tournament on Nov. 2-4 at Northwestern because they beat the Buckeyes 2-1 on Oct. 20.
“It’s great being No. 1 seed in a conference that is so competitive,” MSU head coach Michele Madison said. “One game can really separate every team.”
MSU gets a bye in the first round and will play the winner of the No. 4 vs. No. 5 seed game in round two.
“It’s going to be a very competitive tournament.” Madison said.
On Friday, senior forward Maureen Halstead scored MSU’s first goal three minutes into play. It was her 11th goal this season.
Senior forward Bridget Cooper extended the lead to two by beating Hawkeye goalkeeper Alexandra Kyser for her 15th goal of the season. Cooper leads the conference in goals.
MSU goalkeeper Lauren Hess had six saves in the win, but let the Hawkeyes score their lone goal with only 53 seconds left in the game.
Forward Sarah Dawson scored the only goal, assisted by defenseman Tiffany Leister.
