The MSU women's soccer team did something this weekend it had never done before.
The Spartans (12-6-5) whipped Bowling Green 4-0 on Friday for the first NCAA Tournament win in school history. The team then fell to top-seeded Notre Dame in the second round 3-0 in South Bend, Indiana, on Sunday.
Senior forward Emma Harris said the team surpassed all expectations.
"We turned this program around from a year ago and accomplished more than anyone thought we would," Harris said.
The MSU offense struggled in the first half against Bowling Green and only managed one shot. The defense held strong, however, and the teams headed into the break tied at 0.
In the second half, MSU's fortune changed. Senior forward Dana Voorheis was able to find the back of the net just after the 50-minute mark to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead.
MSU kept the pressure on and was able to put 14 shots on net in the second half. The Spartans tallied three more goals, including two by freshman midfielder Kristi Timar — the first of her collegiate career.
Sophomore goalkeeper Nicole Galas made five saves to record her 11th shutout of the season.
Head coach Tom Saxton said the win allowed MSU to enter its Notre Dame matchup on a high note.
"We came out of that game with a lot of confidence heading into our next one," Saxton said.
Saxton said he knew the Irish would be tough and the Spartans would have to play their best soccer to win. Their plan was to play defense first and then get the counterattack rolling.
"We tried to play very defensive and anytime they got isolated, they made us pay," Saxton said. "Forwards (Kerri) Hanks and (Katie) Thorlakson are top-five forwards in the country — when we had some breakdowns, they punished us."
The Irish doubled MSU in the shot department, 18-9. Saxton said the Spartans tried to get in the flow of the game, but the Irish defense limited quality chances for them.
"We got some chances later in the game, but early they shut us down," Saxton said. "Their defense is so athletic, they smothered us."
Even though the final game went in the "L" column, Saxton told his players to keep their chins up and be proud of what they have done this season. He said the seniors have worked hard throughout their careers and were key contributors this season.
"This is a tribute to our seniors — they took us to another level this year," he said.
