Heading into the Big Ten Tournament, the MSU field hockey team is hoping to experience déja vu against the Buckeyes.
The sixth-seeded Spartans (12-7 overall, 2-4 Big Ten) will face No. 3 Ohio State (14-5 overall, 3-3 Big Ten) at 4 p.m. today in Iowa City — less than a week after beating them in their final conference game of the season, 3-2.
The Spartans enter the game having won their last three games of the season, two of those against Big Ten foes.
The Buckeyes lost their last two conference games but boast a solid record, having won 11 straight games at one point in the season. They are strong offensively, ranking second in the Big Ten in shots per game with 18.
MSU head coach Michele Madison is aware of Ohio State's strong offense but will be looking to play solid defense as they did during the two teams' last match.
"They have a very high-powered offense and we will have to have good team defense to shut them down," Madison said.
Despite losing their earlier meeting this season, the Buckeyes outshot the Spartans 14-7 and didn't allow any shots in the second half. Madison said if MSU wants to win, they need to get more scoring chances and capitalize on them.
"We have to possess the ball better out of the backfield," Madison said.
The Spartans must also prepare for a physical Buckeyes squad.
"They are very competitive and they have great players with a lot of skill — they never stop playing," senior midfielder Jessica Miller said.
In their last meeting, senior goalie Christina Kirkaldy had eight saves in helping the Spartans earn the "W." Madison said it is imperative that Kirklady play her best during these tournament games.
"The team with the best goalie will have the advantage," she said.
The Spartans finished the Big Ten season with a 2-4 record, their worst finish since 2000. Madison said this puts more pressure on the team to do well.
"The pressure is on, and our backs are against the wall — the team has to perform," Madison said.
Miller said the No. 6 seed is an unfamiliar position for the Spartans but also gives them more of a chance to sneak up on opponents.
"We know that we are the underdogs and no one is going to expect anything from us," Miller said. "That is just more the reason to win and show them."
If MSU wins, it will play the winner of No. 2 Indiana and No. 7 Northwestern on Saturday.
