MSU head coach Tom Saxton stressed to the team how important defense would be if they were going to have a chance in the game. They were going to have to find a way to shut down Notre Dame’s high-powered offense, which had recorded 77 goals heading into the match.

“We knew we had to defend collectively as a unit, and in the international level they talk about bunkering and surround your goal,” Saxton said. “With the talent they have up top, it was the right strategy to have. I think our kids did it well.”

The staunch MSU back line did everything to prevent the ball from going into the back of the net, whether it was laying out to block shots or sacrificing everything to win 50-50 balls.

But Notre Dame’s offense was just too much for the Spartans to handle and they peppered freshman goaltender Jill Flietstra with 29 shots.

Despite the bombardment, Flietstra felt her defense played great in front of her and didn’t allow the Fighting Irish any easy scoring opportunities.

“My defense was extraordinary today,” Flietstra said. “I give them a lot of credit for how well they defended. They kept players out of the box and forced them to take outside shots.”

Along with the hard work from the back line, Saxton credited his midfield for working hard and making life difficult for Notre Dame throughout the game.

“I think our midfielders, with the ball winning, set a tone for us (by saying), ‘We’re not just going to give you this game,’” Saxton said. “Their coaching staff was up and encouraging their team because we really did do a good job of winning the ball in the middle.”

Bright future

Although the Spartans’ season ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the squad has a strong hunch they will make an even deeper run in the Big Dance next season.

The squad will be losing only one starter from the lineup: senior defender Kelley Amormino.

The Spartans will be returning the Big Ten’s leading scorer in Laura Heyboer (21 goals), along with first-team All-Big Ten selection Lauren Sinacola and Lauren Hill, the Big Ten’s second-leading point-scorer with 33 points.

To add to an offense that racked up the most goals since the Big Ten women’s soccer program began in 1994 (45 goals), the Spartans will return Flietstra, who has proven to be rock-solid in net.

Heyboer was obviously disappointed with the team’s narrow defeat Sunday, but she is optimistic that the Spartans will build off everything they have learned from this season.

“(I’m) so excited,” Heyboer said. “Tomorrow I’m going to start getting ready for next year. I think everybody is and we’re really excited for some of the new incoming girls. Our team is going to be even better next year.”

Saxton said he is excited for the upcoming recruiting class and he is confident his team will be a serious contender in the Big Ten next season.

“You’re always recruiting, so you’re always planning ahead,” Saxton said. “With only one season on the field, we know we have a great group coming back and it’s our job to make them better in the offseason and integrate the new class.

“But the future is bright for MSU soccer.”