A tactically sound performance was on display from Hosler, as his team was the better side throughout the game. His formation allowed for flexibility, with players rotating positions freely. That movement caused chaos for the Trojan backline, allowing MSU attackers to find space behind the defense and create several one-on-one opportunities on goal.

Hosler also utilized freshman goalkeeper Noelle Henning throughout the game beyond just her shotstopping abilities; it was her comfortability with her feet that stood out being a key part in the build up play for many of the attacks. Her shot stopping was on point as well as she and her Spartan defense would keep a clean sheet in a defensive masterclass. 

"Our team is built around building out of the back and looking for a lot of skip options," said Henning. "As a goalkeeper you have got to be competent with your feet so we really work on that in training."

The Spartans wasted no time getting going, winning the ball from kickoff and immediately going on the attack. Defender Ava Lutke would drive forward and slip a pass into the box, finding the feet of Kennedy Bell, who would dribble around goalkeeper Bella Grust and finish it into the open net in the opening minute of the game, making it back-to-back games on the scoresheet for the junior forward. 

MSU was relentless in their pressure defensively throughout the game, not giving the Trojans any time to do anything with the ball as they were often swarmed by multiple black shirts. Hosler’s side made it very apparent, specifically on opposition goal kicks, as a number of attackers leaned over the box waiting to pounce as soon as the ball was played.

The Spartans doubled their lead in the 50th minute, with forward Kayla Briggs adding her name to the scoresheet. Bell was at the center of the play again, receiving a ball over the top of the defense and driving toward goal before laying it off in the center of the box. Briggs met it with a powerful shot into the top left corner, leaving the keeper no chance and scoring her second goal of the season.

It would be the roommate connection for the third time as Kennedy would grab her brace and Kayla grabbed the assist. Defender Ella Janz would play a pass down the left wing, finding Briggs, who would fire a ball across the 6-yard box finding Bell, who would tap it into the bottom right corner, giving the Spartans a 3-0 advantage.

"It feels awesome that’s my roomie, so having that connection its great," said Bell. "Like we’re talking about it all the time now, we’re learning from each other. When Kayla drove, I’m getting in that box because I know Kayla’s going to put it there."

Bell’s day would come to a bitter-sweet end as she would be through on goal yet again and earn a penalty after being taken out by the keeper. However, she would stay down with an injury and would not return, but she was never ruled unavailable to Hosler. It was senior defender Remini Tillotson who would take MSU’s second penalty kick of the game and calmly convert, burying it into the bottom right corner.

It’s been a slow start to the season for this team, dropping nonconference games, but you could hardly tell with their performance today. There were shades of last season's ranked side on the pitch today as MSU dominated in every aspect of the game.

"This is something for us to build off of, and we know we have to play 90 minute games, complete games and this is the new standard for our team," said Briggs.

MSU women’s soccer gears up now for a road trip next weekend starting in Minnesota on Thursday against the Golden Gophers.