Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Michigan State
Spartans Top Hoosiers, 3-1, in Big Ten Tournament
11/3/2006 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Nov. 3, 2006
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Despite a strong second half, the second-seeded Indiana field hockey team could not overcome seventh-seeded Michigan State in the first round of the 2006 Big Ten Tournament at Michigan's Phyllis Ocker Field on Nov. 3. The 3-1 loss dropped the Hoosiers to 14-5 on the season.
In the first game of the 2006 Big Ten Tournament, the Hoosiers and the Spartans traded possessions with Michigan State forcing three penalty corners in the opening minutes. Like all season, Indiana rose to the occasion, preventing MSU from hitting the boards.
Michigan State took the 1-0 lead in the 26th minute, as Becky Manning found Gwen Riley on the left side of the cage for the score.
With four minutes reaming in the half, Indiana took its first shot, as junior midfielder Amanda Oyler had an open look at the goal at the top of the circle, but her shot just missed wide.
IU opened the second half on the attack. Minutes into the second period, senior forward Lydia Schrott drove deep into the circle to draw IU's first penalty corner. After a Hoosier goal from senior midfielder Rachel Telian was reversed, Indiana had to settle for another corner and were unable to put the ball in the back of the cage.
Michigan State struck again in the 49th minute as Ashley Penicano scored off the rebounded shot to increase the Spartans' lead to 2-0.
The Hoosiers retuned to offense as Schrott drew the second of two corners for the Hoosiers in the series, setting up Indiana's only score of the game. Senior back Morgan Miller took the initial shot, but it was sophomore forward Katie Kiper who was in position tip the ball over the top of Michigan State goalkeeper Stephanie Yuhasz to cut the Spartans' lead to 2-1 in the 66th minute. The score is Kiper's third this season.
Despite a surge of IU momentum, MSU notched their third goal of the game as Riley scored again from the far left side of the circle, giving the Spartans' the 3-1 win.
For the game, Michigan State outshot Indiana, 12-5 and drew six corners to IU's five. Junior first team All-Big Ten goalkeeper Haley Exner recorded four saves in the contest.
The Hoosiers will now wait for the NCAA Division I Field Hockey Committee's 2006 NCAA Tournament decisions coming on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. (EST). The selection show will be aired nationally on CSTV.
