Lansing Sun

Michigan State University will commence its 2024 field hockey season with two away games in California, facing UC Davis and Cal. The Spartans' first match is scheduled for Friday, August 30 at 3 pm ET (12 pm PT) against UC Davis at the Aggie Field Hockey Facility. They will then play Cal on Sunday, September 1 at 4 pm ET (1 pm PT) at Underhill Field.

Live statistics for both matches can be accessed through the Michigan State University Spartans' official website, MSUSpartans.com. Additionally, a live video webstream will be available for the game against UC Davis.

The Spartans aim to improve upon their previous season's record of 4-12. The team returns with 15 letterwinners from last year, including key players Ellie Rutherford and Emma O'Neill. UC Davis finished their last season with a record of 2-14 and went 1-7 in America East play. Head coach Austin Pile enters his third season leading the Aggies after serving as an assistant coach at Cal.

Cal's head coach Shellie Onstead is entering her 29th season and has guided the Golden Bears to 11 conference titles. Last year, Cal achieved a record of 12-8 and participated in the NCAA Tournament after posting a 5-3 mark in America East. This fall, Cal will compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

MSU’s squad includes five returning seniors or graduate students: Ellie Wheatley (graduate), Jillian Bonczewski, Maddie Lawlor, Emma O'Neill, and Ellie Rutherford. Graduate transfer Tatum Johnson from LaSalle will miss this season due to injury while Lawlor returns after missing last year's campaign due to injury.

Eight freshmen have joined Michigan State's team this year from three different countries and states. Team captains are Emma O'Neill, Ellie Rutherford, and Ellie Wheatley.

On Wednesday, the Big Ten announced its annual "Players to Watch" list which includes seniors Ellie Rutherford and Maddie Lawlor along with freshman Carmen Pucheta.

Helen Knull begins her 14th season as head coach of Michigan State's field hockey team and her overall tenure on the Spartan staff spans over eighteen years. She holds a career coaching record of 96-148 as she enters this new season. Her coaching staff remains unchanged with Associate Head Coach Tamara Durante and assistant coaches Erin Shanahanand Matt Michie continuing their roles.

Last week MSU played exhibition matches against Central Michigan and Michigan as part of their pre-season preparations.

The home portion of Michigan State’s schedule kicks off next weekend with games against Vermont on Friday and Ohio on Sunday; both matches are set to start at 1 pm ET at Ralph Young Field where Vermont and Ohio will also face each other in a neutral-site contest.