Alan Haller Vice President/Athletic Director | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
Alan Haller Vice President/Athletic Director | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
East Lansing -- Lilian Knorr scored the overtime game-winner for Michigan State on Sunday, securing a 2-1 road victory against Ball State at the 72:25 mark of the second overtime period.
The Spartans (5-4) managed to tie the game late with a goal from Caro Schafer, pushing the match into overtime. Ball State's goalkeeper Hannah Johnston made 12 saves throughout the contest, thwarting several opportunities for Michigan State.
Ball State took an early lead in the first quarter with a goal by Grace Clokie at 8:58 on a corner play. Despite heavy rain, Michigan State dominated play in the second quarter, preventing Ball State from taking any shots on goal and generating four late corner plays.
Michigan State continued to apply pressure, but Johnston kept Ball State competitive. The Spartans recorded eight shots and five corners in the fourth quarter before Schafer equalized at 57:10, assisted by Ellie Rutherford on a corner play. This marked Schafer's first career goal and sent the game into extra time.
Freshman Ashley Hebert made her first career start for Michigan State and finished with one save.
Michigan State will return home for two games this week. They face Miami on Tuesday at 2 pm and Kent State on Sunday in another non-conference match.
NOTES
Michigan State earned its first overtime win of the season after three attempts. It was their first overtime victory since defeating Indiana 1-0 late in the 2022 season.
The Spartans led all statistical categories with 24 shot attempts compared to Ball State's four and had a 15-2 advantage in shots on goal. Michigan State also had 17 corners while Ball State had one.
The team has already surpassed last year's win total before September ends.
The Spartans ended a two-game losing streak following Big Ten losses to Ohio State and Michigan last week.
Caro Schafer's goal at 57:10 of the fourth quarter sent the game into overtime. It was her first career goal.
Lilian Knorr's game-winning goal was her second of the season, bringing her totals to two goals and two assists for six points this year.
Ellie Rutherford recorded her fourth assist of the season, increasing her total points to eight.
Senior Jillian Bonczewski led the team with nine shots and tied Maddie Lawler, Ellie Rutherford, and Carmen Pucheta for three shots on goal each.
Ashley Hebert faced four shots during her first collegiate start and made one save.
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