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EAST LANSING, Mich. –  Junior back Anouk Plaehn (Hanover, Germany) goal off a corner lifted the Ohio field hockey team (2-2, 0-0 MAC) to a 3-2 win over Michigan State (2-2, 0-0 BIG 10) in double overtime on Sunday (Sept. 8). 

Ohio's defense was tested early, taking on four shots and a corner from their opponent within the first few minutes. However, Michigan State was first to score off a rebound to take a 1-0 lead late into the first quarter. After graduate student goalkeeper Macy Lotze (Louisville, Ky.) got her first save, Ohio flipped the field to put pressure on the Michigan State's defense.

Michigan State's intense defense made it tough on Ohio to score. It wasn't long before graduate student back Meela Kopp (Louisville, Ky.) took advantage of a penalty corner to net her first goal of the season to tie the game in the 16th minute, though. 

The Spartans later took back the momentum after a tip in goal to set the score at 2-1 with five minutes remaining in the half. They continued to challenge the Bobcats, but Lotze had three consecutive saves to keep the Bobcats within a goal as the game headed into the fourth quarter. 

As time wound down, the Ohio defense and Lotze took a stand to keep Michigan State out of the net. It was then that junior forward Sasha Dikotla (Johannesburg, South Africa) broke down the field to tie the game in the 53rd minute.  

The Bobcats looked for a quick goal as time expired but did not convert, sending the game to overtime.  

Ohio and Michigan State traded shots in the first overtime period, but neither team was able to capitalize. As the second period of overtime began, the Bobcat offense controlled the game with three shots and three corners. With just a few minutes to go, Plaehn knocked in the goal that won the game.  

The Bobcats will be back in action Friday (Sept. 13) to take on Michigan. First touch is set for 6 p.m. 

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