The Spartans responded well over Indiana in heavy rain. Although not particularly inspiring, they showed the ability to grind out a win. 

Senior midfielder Emerson Sargeant put the Spartans ahead in the 33rd minute. It was a well-executed team goal that encapsulated the powers of MSU’s biggest names. A backheel by senior midfielder Kayla Briggs sent senior forward Kennedy Bell into a good position; Bell selflessly played in Sargeant. The trio has 20 goals and 20 assists between them. 

As the rain picked up, both sides struggled to make meaningful chances count.

Indiana looked to level things in the 61st minute through Jenna Chatterton, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul in the lead-up. It was a scare that reinvigorated the Spartans to keep attacking after what had been a largely comfortable game.

Senior defender Renee Watson finally cemented the Spartans’ lead in the 83rd minute with a brilliant solo run. The move started with Watson back near the Spartans’ goal, streaming up the field to play a wall pass with Bell. She finished it off with a whistling strike into the back of the net. It came after a period of high possession and near-misses for MSU. 

Indiana opted to employ five defenders in a mid-to-low block. This tactic has worked against the Spartans on a few occasions, most notably when Eastern Michigan held MSU to a scoreless draw. While the Spartans were given possession, Indiana made sure the only way the Spartans would find the back of the net was through a moment of brilliance — and they found two.

It was once again the Spartans’ stars who earned the points. Head coach Jeff Hosler made one significant change this time around.

Freshman midfielder LJ Pearcy made her starting debut for the Spartans. This marked a shift in Hosler’s lineup that usually features six seniors, all of whom lead the team in attacking statistics. While the productivity of these established players makes for a highly rated team, it raises questions about the sustainability of the Spartans’ success. 

Whether this decision was tied to the fact that MSU has a limited chance to take home the regular-season title, it illustrates that Hosler is now thinking about the future by showcasing his No. 8 ranked recruiting class who have barely seen the field thus far.

Perhaps Hosler is still acting present-mindedly. Pearcy’s start also lends itself to the fact that the Spartans’ midfield is slimming. Hosler’s first and second choices off the bench are unavailable; freshman midfielder Lacey Kindel is away at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and sophomore midfielder Aubree Ciampa is out injured. The Spartans have fewer numbers to call on as starters pick up injuries and play with fatigue.

Hosler and the Spartans could continue to capitalize on the success of Bell, Briggs and Sargeant, but as it gets to the pointy end of the season, rotation and unpredictability will be key.

The Spartans host Penn State at 6 p.m. Thursday at DeMartin Stadium. The game will stream live on Big Ten Plus.