The Michigan State Field Hockey team was back in action on Sunday to take on the Central Michigan Chippewas for Military Appreciation Day at Ralph Young Field. After an impressive 1-0 win on Friday against the Indiana Hoosiers, the Spartans defeated the Chippewas 3-0 to move to 3-5 on the season.
The Spartans got it going early with an unassisted goal 8 minutes in by Lena Kassel, which was her second goal of the season to give MSU the early 1-0 lead. Just 2 minutes later, the Spartans struck again with a goal, this time by junior midfielder Ellie Rutherford. Senior midfielder Lulu Fulton picked up the assist on the goal as MSU went up 2-0 after one quarter of play.
In the second quarter, MSU extended their lead to 3-0 with freshman forward Bianca Pizano scoring the first goal of her Spartan career, assisted by senior midfielder Ashley Harlock. The Spartans defense shined in the first half by allowing only 1 shot, while their offense was just as impressive, recording 12 shots, with 8 of those shots being shots on goal, as the Spartans would enter the half up 3-0 against the Chippewas.
MSU’s defense would continue to shine in a scoreless second half, as MSU’s defense wouldn’t allow a single shot in the second half. The Spartans ended the game with a total of 25 shots with 14 of those shots being shots on goal.
Leading the way for MSU in the 3-0 victory over Central Michigan would include Ellie Rutherford and Lena Kessel. Rutherford would have 1 goal and 7 shots, while Kessel would record 1 goal and 3 shots. Lulu Fulton also contributed for MSU with 3 shots and 1 assist.
This was a huge momentum booster for the Spartans as they prepare to return to conference play, featuring a three game road slate over the next 12 days.
The Spartans will go on the road to face off against the Northwestern Wildcats next Friday, before closing out their weekend road trip against the Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City.