Defender Celina Riccardo hits the ball down the field during the matchup against the Wolverines on Oct. 7, 2022.
Michigan State field hockey fell 3-1 at home to No. 10 Michigan Friday evening.
The rivalry game brought rivalry intensity throughout the playing field. the Wolverines came out swinging on both ways of the field, fresh off of a 7-0 win against Ball State.
Despite valiant efforts defensively by the Spartans, the Wolverines offensive presence prevailed in the first half, scoring first at 1:57 and then at 10:23.
The third quarter was a stalemate and Michigan carried its 2-0 lead into the final quarter.
Michigan added a third goal in the 49th minute, but MSU quickly responded with a penalty corner goal by senior midfielder Merel Hanssen only two minutes later.
However, the strong push came too late – and Michigan State fell 3-1.
Despite Friday's loss, Head Field Hockey Coach Helen Knull gave positive takeaways that will fuel the team to bounce back.
“Bar the first quarter, we actually got better as the game went on; I think we just got a really slow start,” Knull said after the game. "To go down 1-0 in the first two minutes just puts you on your heels and makes you double-guess some of your decision making. Scrap the first quarter, bar that we had some good movement, some good possessions, and some really nice opportunities. Merel (Hanssen) scored a great goal in the corner, and we have to take the momentum going forward into Sunday.”
The Spartans quickly hit the road the next morning to face Ball State, a game the Spartans won 5-3.
Michigan State will be back in action with is 6-6 record Friday afternoon versus Northwestern at Ralph Young Field.
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