Kent State University
Michigan State
Kent State Prepares for Home Opening Weekend Against Michigan State and Delaware
9/10/2026 11:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
KENT, Ohio – The Golden Flashes' Field Hockey team will face the Michigan State Spartans and Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens for their home opening weekend at Murphy-Mellis Field
Kent State faces Michigan State on Friday at 2pm and then they take on Delaware on Sunday at noon. Murphy-Mellis Field will see lots of action over the next couple of weeks as the Golden Flashes have five home games in a row through Sept. 25. Friday's game is Military & First Responder Day with a schedule poster giveaway promotion. Sunday's game is Youth Day with a Blue Pit Viper sunglasses giveaway.
Last Time Out
The Golden Flashes lost both games in Ann Arbor last week, falling 0-4 to No. 8 Michigan and 1-4 to Vermont. KSU played the Wolverines tight through the first three quarters, trailing only 0-1 heading into the final frame. The defense played solid throughout, limiting the damage on Michigan attacks and creating pressure when the Wolverines got close to the net.
Kent State goalkeeper Michaela Skinner got a season-high 12 saves in the Michigan game, consistently stopping the majority of the 15 penalty corners the Wolverines took. Despite the eventual loss, the Golden Flashes came away with a solid performance against one of the top teams in the country.
The loss to Vermont was more lopsided with a 3-13 shot disadvanatage against the Catamounts. Vermont scored twice early in the first quarter as well as a pair of goals in the third to put the game away. Offensively, Kent State was able to score in the 50th minute of the game when junior midfielder Mary Kate Finnan scored her first collegiate career goal.
Michigan State Scouting Report
The Spartans come into the Kent State matchup with a 2-2 record against tough competition. Michigan State has had some prior experience with the Mid-American Conference this year, beating Ohio 3-1 on the road in their season opener, but losing 0-6 against 16th ranked Miami (OH) last Friday. MSU's other victory came via a 3-0 shutout over Saint Louis on Aug. 29. The Spartans' most recent game ended in a 0-4 home loss against 15th ranked Louisville.
Michigan State senior forward Bianca Pizano has been one of the most productive offensive players in the BIG 10 thus far; scoring three goals on nine shots. The Spartans have six goals on the year as a team.
Delaware Scouting Report
The Fightin' Blue Hens are currently 1-2 on the year in an all-road schedule. Delaware lost 1-2 in the season opener against Villanova and also lost 1-2 in their most recent game against Penn State. Delaware's lone victory was an upset 2-1 win over 18th ranked Monmouth on Aug. 30. Delaware will also be traveling to Columbus, Ohio to take on Ohio State tomorrow afternoon before heading to Kent on Sunday.
Graduate student midfielder/forward Alexa Michielsen has been the leading scorer for the Fightin' Blue Hens with a pair of goals, 10 shots, and 41.7 minutes played per game. Despite the two losses, Delaware sophomore goalkeeper Gabby Prentice has had a productive year with a 1.62 goals against average (GAA) and five saves.
Series History
Kent State has had an extensive history against Michigan State, going 4-8 all-time against the Spartans. The last time the Golden Flashes took on MSU they beat them 4-3 in an overtime shootout thriller back in 2024. Kent State has split the overall series with Delaware 1-1 with a 0-2 loss last season.
Up Next
Kent State continues their homestand with their conference opener on Friday, Sept. 18 against Central Michigan.
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