Michigan tops Michigan State field hockey, 4-1

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State field hockey team fell to No. 8 Michigan on Friday night in its Big Ten opener. The Spartans drop to 4-3, while the Wolverines improve to 5-1 on the season. Kendal Anderson led the way for the Spartans, tallying her ninth goal of the season.

“We played a very reactive game for 70 minutes,” said head coach Helen Knull. “We had opportunities; we just didn’t capitalize. Give Michigan credit, they came out ready to go and beat us to the ball. We have to refocus and regroup and get ready for next weekend.”

The Wolverines jumped out to an early lead, scoring the game’s first goal in the sixth minute off a rebound following a penalty corner.

Michigan extended the lead to 2-0 in the 24th minute, but the Spartans responded immediately. Thirty seconds later, Sophie Macadre laid off a pass to Kendal Anderson who sent a quick shot in that rattled off the post and into the back of the cage to make it 2-1.

With time winding down in the opening frame, it was just a one-goal game, but the Wolverines added an insurance goal before the break to take a 3-1 lead into half. Michigan then added one more goal in the 52nd minute to bring the game to its final, 4-1.

Shots and corner opportunities were pretty even throughout the match, with Michigan owning a 12-10 advantage in shots and 6-5 edge in penalty corners.

“I think every game, win or lose, there are learning opportunities and moments and this was one for us,” said Knull. “I am disappointed in the outcome and how we played today, but we’ve got to get back on the horse and make some adjustments this weekend.”

The Spartans return to action next weekend at home vs. Miami (Oh) on Friday at 12:30 p.m. and Ohio State on Sunday at 2 p.m.

-MSU athletic communications