Michigan State’s field hockey team is back home at Ralph Young Field this weekend after nearly a month away. They are set to face two tough rivals: No. 15 Rutgers and No. 11 Maryland. Both matches will be available to stream on B1G+.
### Series History
Michigan State has a challenging history against Rutgers, trailing 8-12-1 overall. At home, they’re just 1-4 against the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers has won the last ten encounters, with the last Spartan victory occurring almost a decade ago on October 2, 2015.
Maryland has been even tougher for MSU, winning all 17 previous matchups. The last game played in East Lansing saw Maryland take the victory, 3-1.
### About Rutgers
Rutgers enters with a 6-4 record and is ranked 15th in the NFHCA. They had a successful weekend, winning both games—defeating Ohio State in overtime and Columbia by a hefty 8-0 score.
Key players for Rutgers include Olivia Fraticelli, who leads the team with five goals and 12 points. She shares the spotlight with Sophie Kuiper and Paulina Niklaus, who together have contributed significantly to the Scarlet Knights’ offense. Goalkeeper Emily Nicholls has made 69 saves this season, showcasing a .840 save percentage, which is among the best in the Big Ten.
### About Maryland
Maryland comes to Michigan State with a 6-3 record and has faced several ranked teams recently. They managed to defeat No. 12 Michigan but dropped their match against No. 8 Princeton.
Maci Bradford and Jordyn Hollamon are central to Maryland’s offensive strategy. Bradford leads with five assists, while Hollamon tops the team with 26 shots. Their combined efforts account for nearly half of the team’s total goals.
Maryland’s goalkeeper, Alyssa Klebasko, has played every minute this season, securing a .719 save percentage.
### Previous Games
Last weekend, the Spartans faced a tough challenge, losing both their matches. They fought hard against No. 20 Penn State but ultimately fell 2-0. The second match saw them lose 4-0 to Bucknell.
### Players to Watch
Several Spartans are gaining attention this season. Graduate students Tatum Johnson and Maddie Lawlor have made the NFHCA Watch List, with Johnson returning strong after a previous injury. Both have contributed significantly to the team’s efforts. Additionally, sophomore Lilian Knorr is also being recognized for her skills, having tied for the most points among freshmen last season.
### Balanced Team
This season, Michigan State has seen contributions from many players, with 11 different athletes scoring goals so far. Seven players are tied for the team lead with two goals each. This balanced approach could make the team more unpredictable for their opponents.
### Upcoming Match
Next Sunday, Michigan State will host Appalachian State, marking their only game of the week.
Recent trends in college field hockey show a rise in competitive matchups, with more teams emerging as strong contenders. Fans are closely following these developments, sharing thoughts on social media. As teams like Rutgers and Maryland step up their games, the landscape of the sport may be evolving.
For more details on college athletics, check out trusted sources like the NCAA’s official site or the NFHCA for updated rankings and statistics.
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