Web exclusive: Field hockey team earns weekend split

The No. 7 MSU field hockey team had an up-and-down trip to Syracuse this weekend, defeating No. 9 Old Dominion, but losing to No. 8 Syracuse in overtime.

The Spartans downed Old Dominion 4-1 on Saturday behind two first-half goals from freshman Manouk Vernij. The Spartans took a 3-0 lead into the half and put together a good effort in the second half to secure the win.

Sophomore Chantae Miller and junior Amanda Huck each had goals in the game.

The Spartans fell to host Syracuse 2-1 in overtime Sunday and were forced to settle for a split on the weekend instead of what could have been a huge sweep against a pair of Top 10 opponents.

MSU (4-2) has played its usually difficult schedule, with both of its losses coming against ranked opponents in overtime. MSU fell short against Duke the first weekend of the season.

The Spartans have been able to get in front of opponents early, however, as they did Saturday against Old Dominion with three goals in the first half.

“You prefer to have the first goal of the game go your way,” head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof said last week. “It makes the other team rush to score and allows you to create second opportunities.”

The Spartans finish a long road stretch next weekend when they travel to Virginia for games against James Madison and Virginia. MSU will have played its first eight games away from home.