Syracuse University
Michigan State
No. 18 Syracuse Defeats No. 10 Michigan State, 3-1
9/7/2008 2:44:35 PM | Field Hockey
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EAST LANSING, Mich. – The 18th-ranked Syracuse field hockey team remained undefeated with a 3-1 victory at No. 10 Michigan State. The score was tied at halftime before the Orange scored two late goals in the second half for the win. SU is 4-0 for the second consecutive season and just the fourth time in 37 seasons.
“We played really well and our kids overcame a lot of adversity,” head coach Ange Bradley said. “We learned how to play together and make adjustments to a game plan. It is a great day for Syracuse hockey. I am really proud of our team.”
Angie Lucik recorded the game’s first goal at 25:49, with an assist from Jantine Steinmetz. Lucik gathered the ball after a save by senior goalkeeper Heather Hess off a penalty corner.
Syracuse responded less than two minutes later with a goal from sophomore forward Lindsey Conrad to tie the score.
The Orange tallied the game-winning goal at 59:29 from sophomore back Maggie Befort. She got the go-ahead tally off a rebound from MSU goalkeeper Elissa Unger. Freshman forward Nicole Nelson put SU up two goals off a centering pass from Conrad that Nelson tipped high with just under five minutes to go in the contest.
“We went into the game with a plan and executed what we practiced,” senior midfielder Shannon Taylor said. “We got into the passing lanes and shutdown their key players. The team stepped up to the challenge.”
Hess made nine saves, while Unger had two for the Spartans. Michigan State held a 18-7 shot advantage and a seven penalty corners to only two for Syracuse.
The Orange travels to Maryland for matchups with No. 2 Maryland and rv Delaware next weekend. SU will face the Terrapins on Saturday at 11 a.m. before playing the Fightin’ Blue Hens on Sunday at 2 p.m.
