FOLLOW OHIO FIELD HOCKEY: Facebook | Twitter
ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio field hockey (5-5) team returned to action on Sunday (Oct. 2), falling to Michigan State (5-5), 2-1, at Pruitt Field.
"Michigan State has always been amazing defensive team," head coach
Ali Johnstone said. "It's about patients and when to pass that ball into the pocket where they like to put a lot of pressure on, but how you get out of that pocket. A couple of times they came up with it, but I thought our team did really well."
Overall, Michigan State outshot the Bobcats 14-12 with 10 shots on goal compared to the Bobcats' five. The Spartans also recorded three corners compared to Ohio's two.
Individually, junior
Meela Kopp (Louisville, Ky.) scored one goal on one shot, while freshman
Anouk Plaehn (Lower Saxony, Germany) added one assist. Senior
Katelyn Whittle (Glenwood, Md.) registered six shots with two on goal, while freshman
Mijntje Ligtenberg added three attempts. Sophomore
Noa Desmaretz (Antwerp, Belgium) also added a shot on goal for the Bobcats.
In goal, graduate assistant
Nele Graner (Bonn, Germany) played 30 minutes and did not allow a goal while making three saves. Junior
Macy Lotze (Louisville, Ky.) entered the game in the third quarter, playing 30 minutes, allowing two goals, and making four saves.
The Bobcats struck 10 minutes into the first quarter, taking a 1-0 lead when Koop scored off the penalty corner thanks to an assist from Plaen. Michigan State attempted to generate chances over the next five minute, but Ohio took a 1-0 lead to the second quarter. In the second quarter, Michigan State upped its offensive pressure, however the Ohio defense help its ground, sending the game to the half with the Bobcats leading, 1-0.
At the half, Michigan State outshot the Bobcats, 5-2, while the Spartans registered three shots on goal to Ohio's two. Ohio also registered one penalty corner, while MSU did not attempt one.
Michigan State struck in the 41
st minute, tying the game at 1-1 midway through the first quarter. The Spartans took the lead in the 44
th minute, taking. 2-1 lead going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the Bobcats generate several chances, especially after Ohio pulled keeper Lotze late in the quarter. However, the Spartans' defense was able to keep the ball out of the case, sealing the 2-1 MSU victory.
Up next, the Bobcats head to Muncie, Ind. to take on Ball State on Friday, Oct. 7. First touch is set for 3 p.m.
#OUohyeah