The Spartans got off to a 2-0 lead in the first half before Ohio State responded with 2 goals of their own in a matter of minutes.

It took late-game heroics from junior forward Allie Ahern, who has been one of the top offensive Big Ten players thus far, to seal the win.

It’s been a mixed bag as far as close game victories for MSU. The Spartans were unable to come out on top in 2-1 losses against California and Princeton early in the season.

“It’s just been a consistency thing, from home games, road games, to what we do in practice, execution in practice, that (isn’t carrying over to) game time,” Knull said. “It only takes one person to get the spark and get things going.”

Ahern has been that spark for the team this season. Her season shot total is only tenth in the conference, yet her goal total is tied for first overall.

She also is tied for second in goals per game (.90) and fourth in points (1.8 per game).

“To her credit, she’s doing a fantastic job in practice, just working on different skill execution and she takes her chances in games, and that’s what she did on Saturday,” Knull said. “That’s what she and Abby did on Saturday, and (they) are creating opportunities for the team. She’s been finishing for us at the end of it, so it’s been good.”

Despite losing a 2-0 lead against Ohio State, the Spartans hanging on to get the win shows improvement as the season progresses.

“We had such a tough schedule that really prepared for our first Big Ten game,” Ahern said. “Our record doesn’t show that we have improved, but we definitely have because we’ve been playing top-10 teams. So going into the game, we were confident, and winning that first Big Ten game means a lot, because it builds our confidence for our next Big Ten games.”

Going into the road match against Indiana this weekend, maintaining the energy displayed early against Ohio State will be key.

“We keep reminding ourselves what’s at stake,” said Molly Cassidy, senior goalkeeper. “That’s really going to be the thing that keeps us in for 70 minutes. Anything can happen in any Big Ten game, so up or down, you still have a shot.”

Knull said focusing on one game at a time will help the team persist as the game continues.

“For us, just the win on Saturday, just like I said to you after the game, is a confidence booster. But you can’t rest on it. You have to keep executing and looking to the next game.”