Lansing Sun

EAST LANSING, Mich. - A brace from graduate forward Meg Hughes and a late goal from graduate forward Mackenzie Anthony helped No. 8 Michigan State women's soccer defeat Ohio, 3-0, on Sunday at DeMartin Stadium on Senior Day.

With this win, MSU's record improves to 2-0-1, while Ohio falls to 1-1-1.

All three goals for MSU were scored by seniors. Hughes recorded her first of the season, and Anthony scored her second in as many games. Senior Belle Okoroafo started in goal for the Spartans for the first time in her career, making two saves over the full 90 minutes.

The Spartans led in shots with a count of 12-3, including a dominant first half where they outshot Ohio 6-0. They also held the Bobcats without a corner kick while earning four of their own. Anthony led the Spartans with four shots, three of which were on target.

After a slow initial ten minutes, Hughes opened the scoring early with an assist from Sargeant in the 11th minute. Sargeant passed from midfield to Hughes who ran into the box and shot past Ohio's goalkeeper.

Hughes secured her second goal after receiving a cross from junior defender Sofia Beerworth via sophomore Bella Najera in the 19th minute. This marked Beerworth's first point as a Spartan and Najera’s third point of the season over two games.

MSU maintained control throughout the first half but was unable to add to their lead after Hughes' second goal despite several opportunities. The best chance came when Anthony forced a diving save from Ohio’s goalkeeper in the 36th minute.

In the second half, Anthony had another early chance but was thwarted by an Ohio save in the 49th minute. Ohio registered its first shot of the game shortly after but Okoroafo made another save to keep them scoreless.

Ohio had further chances through Scout Murray but failed to convert any into goals as Okoroafo remained solid in defense. MSU then regained control and continued pressing offensively until Sargeant assisted Anthony again in scoring just before time expired, securing a final scoreline of 3-0.

Five Spartans—Jordyn Wickes, Allie Mairn, Sophia Piotrowski, Ella Janz and Cassidy Corcione—made their season debuts during Sunday's match with Corcione marking her first career appearance for MSU.

MSU will remain home for upcoming matches against Ole Miss on Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by Xavier on Sunday at 1 p.m., both streaming on B1G+.