Kent State University
(1-0)
Michigan State University
(0-1)
Kent State Bests Michigan State 3-1 to Start Season
8/26/2016 3:20:00 PM | Field Hockey
KENT, Ohio – The Golden Flashes put forth a strong effort Friday afternoon to start the 2016 season with a 3-1 victory over Michigan State at Murphy-Mellis Field.
Kent State maintained possession for most of the first half, capitalizing at the 23rd minute to take a 1-0 lead. Shannon Talbot found the back of the net on a deflection to put the Flashes in front. Michigan State was able to even the score nearly five minutes later when they connected after being awarded a penalty stroke.
However, the Golden Flashes were able to take the lead back before halftime. Fresh off a substitution, Alison Harmatz rifled a shot in that the keeper saved, but Helen Harper was ready and waiting, scoring on the rebound for her first career goal.
It took only 49 seconds into the second half for Kent State to increase its advantage. Freshman Laila Richter dribbled in from the right side and snuck a shot past the Spartan keeper to make it a 3-1 game.
The Flashes led in both shots (20-11) and corners (5-2) in the contest for an impressive first-game effort. Harper and Harmatz led the team with four shots each; three of Harper's came on goal. Talbot and Ines Delpech also contributed to the attack with three shots each. Andrea Rinehart finished with four saves.
Kent State has a quick turnaround as the team hosts Villanova on Saturday in another 12:00 p.m. game.
Team Stats
TALBOT, Shannon (1)
off deflection
23:28
Anderson, Kendall (1)
MSU Anderson, Kendall PENALTY KICK GOAL, goal number 1 for season.
28:08
HARPER, Helen (1)
off deflection from #7 shot
32:35
RICHTER, Laila (1)
dribbled in from the right
35:49
