Nov. 4, 2010
Site: Evanston, Ill. (Lakeside Field)
Score: Michigan State 3, Northwestern 1
Records: NU (11-9, 3-3 Big Ten), Michigan State (15-4, 3-3 Big Ten)
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern fought hard and manufactured several scoring opportunities, but came up on the short end of a 3-1 decision to No. 10 Michigan State Thursday morning in the first game of the Big Ten Tournament at Lakeside Field.
"I'm proud of our team and of our seniors," head coach Tracey Fuchs said after the game. "I think we're growing in everyway, including leadership and hockey skills and hopefully we'll get over the hump next season. I'm proud of our seniors, they're great people and great leaders and have given so much to the program."
Following even play throughout the first 18 minutes, Michigan State broke into the circle first, striking on a fierce shot from all-conference performer Jantine Steinmetz after a quick feed in front of the goal from Kristen Henn with 28:09 on the clock.
The Spartans' second goal came almost by chance on a pass from the far right corner by Steinmetz. The senior launched the ball in front of the cage which caromed off Camille Dagorn's stick and squirmed past Amanda Wirth into the right corner of the board.
Time of possession was even after the first 45 minutes of play, with Northwestern holding a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal despite the 2-0 deficit on the scoreboard.
Though the majority of the second-half action took place on the Wildcats' end of the field, Northwestern stole the ball and momentum to register its first goal. Sophomore Chelsea Armstrong broke away down the left side of the pitch and issued a perfect cross to a streaking Nikki Parsley who was alone with the MSU's goalie, Molly Cassidy, in front of the cage. Cassidy nicked the ball with her foot that resulted in a penalty stroke for Parsley. The one-on-one showdown yielded the 'Cats' first tally of the game, a shot high into the corner of the net with 23:13 remaining in the second frame.
The Wildcats capitalized on the quick momentum shift, once again finding themselves inside the circle just a few minutes later, but unable to execute a cross from Armstrong to Kaylee Pohlmeyer.
With just under five minutes remaining in the game and the Spartans holding a narrow 2-1 advantage, Northwestern pulled Wirth from goal in order to maximize every offensive opportunity. Michigan State was awarded a corner three minutes later which was executed effectively, sealing the Spartans' 15th victory of the season.
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