Despite the Wolverines being higher ranked with a superior overall record, senior goalkeeper Molly Cassidy is excited for the competition.

“Regardless of if Michigan is ranked or not, I think it’s always a huge deal for us to play them,” Cassidy said. “We enjoy the rivalry, we enjoy the competition. We enjoy that it doesn’t matter if their stats are better, or if ours are better, or if they’re ranked or not. At the end the day, all that matters is who comes out with the ‘W’ when the clock’s out.”

For what it’s worth, MSU beat Michigan in the opening exhibition game, 2-1. But Michigan overcame MSU last season in Ann Arbor, 2-1.

Junior forward Allie Ahern said the back and forth between the teams has kept the rivalry intense.

“We’re looking to have our win against them to go 3-0 in the Big Ten,” Ahern said.

The Spartans have been far more successful in Big Ten play (2-0) than they have performed in non-conference play (3-7), which bodes well for the team going into Friday.

The reason possibly could be attributed to a difference in mindset going into games. MSU scored all four of their points in the first half during the Indiana win last weekend, and scored two of their three points in the first half in the win over Ohio State two weekends ago.

Though the team struggles to close games strong, typically they play with greater energy in conference matches.

“We’re not supposed to go into Big Ten games with a different mindset, but obviously when you go into a Big Ten game, it’s a bigger rivalry,” Ahern said. “So we’re more pumped up, I think. When you have a home Big Ten game, especially. Home turf, fans, we beat Ohio State at home, so that was great. We’re playing Michigan at home, so I have a really good feeling about our Michigan game.”

On Friday, head coach Helen Knull anticipates an engaged crowd and another solid team performance.

“Anytime we play Michigan, no matter what sport it is, everyone is amped and ready to go,” Knull said. “We’ve got a big crowd coming on Friday. The girls are focusing on it. It’s another team, another jersey. As I said, every time you go, you have to focus on your own game. We have an opportunity to go 3-0 in conference play, and that’s what we’re looking to do.”