The MSU field hockey team (2-5) took a couple steps towards turning its season around, winning two hard-fought matches against the No. 7 Virginia Cavaliers, and Miami (Ohio) this past weekend in Oxford, Ohio.
Going into Saturday’s game against the Cavaliers, the Spartans and first-year head coach Helen Knull had yet to win a game, and they were facing a team that had eliminated the Spartans in the past two NCAA Tournaments. However, revenge couldn’t have been sweeter, as the Spartans pulled out a 3-0 victory, netting Knull her first win as MSU’s head coach.
“I think the girls were ready for the rematch,” Knull said. “We had a really sharp performance, and I think for some of the returners it was an especially sweet victory.”
Freshman forward Abby Barker, junior mid-fielder Adelle Lever and sophomore forward Elizabeth Helffrich scored the team’s three goals, and freshmen forward Allie Ahern and midfield/back Becky Stiles both recorded an assist in the game.
Sophomore goaltender Molly Cassidy had five saves for the victory, also recording her first shutout of the season.
Against Miami (Ohio), Knull said she was expecting an aggressive match up for the Spartans. However, the Spartans triumphed over the RedHawks, 2-1, in a victory Knull largely credited to the team’s chemistry.
“At times, we let Miami control the tempo,” she said. “But we found a way to win, and I think that’s part of being a good team.”
The Spartans have not played a game in East Lansing all season and will continue their road stretch this weekend when they travel to Providence, R.I., to take on the Maine Black Bears and Providence Friars.
Support student media!
Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Discussion
Share and discuss “Field hockey upsets No. 7 Virginia, sneaks past Miami (Ohio)” on social media.
