Michigan State University’s field hockey team concluded its 2024 season with a narrow 1-0 loss to Indiana on Friday in East Lansing. The Spartans, who ended the season with an 8-10 record overall and 1-6 in the Big Ten Conference, demonstrated strong defensive play throughout the match.
The Spartans successfully defended against 13 penalty corners, with goalkeeper Lyra Gavino making five saves in the third quarter alone. Caro Shafer contributed two defensive saves, while Ellie Rutherford added another. Gavino finished the game with six total saves.
The match remained scoreless for the first three quarters until Yip van Wonderen scored for Indiana at 47:24. Despite Michigan State’s efforts to equalize in the final minutes, outshooting Indiana 4-2 during that period, they were unable to find the back of the net.
In the first half, both teams were tied without scoring. Indiana had a slight advantage with four attempts compared to Michigan State’s two and led in penalty corners by two. The Hoosiers increased their offensive pressure in the third quarter, outshooting Michigan State 8-1 and earning nine penalty corner opportunities.
This game marked the last collegiate appearance for Spartan seniors Ellie Wheatley, Emma O’Neill, Ellie Rutherford, and Jillian Bonczewski. Michigan State doubled its win total from last year and achieved a 3-4 record in overtime games this season.
