Lansing Sun

Michigan State University’s field hockey team secured a dramatic 2-1 double-overtime victory against Miami on Tuesday. Senior Ellie Rutherford scored the decisive goal with just over two minutes remaining, bringing the Spartans' season record to 6-4.

Rutherford's winning goal came from the left side of the net after receiving a pass from classmate Jillian Bonczewski, who had maneuvered the ball on the right side. "How about this backhander from Ellie Rutherford to end this one in double OT? Jillian Bonczewski with the setup," tweeted Michigan State Field Hockey.

The game was played under challenging weather conditions, with rain and dropping temperatures. The Spartans, who had previously relied on freshmen for crucial goals, saw their seniors take charge in this match. Emma O'Neill tied the game in the fourth quarter at 48:53 after receiving a pass from Carmen Pucheta. "Emma O'Neill with her third of the season to tie this one up in the fourth quarter! 1-1 ballgame," noted Michigan State Field Hockey.

Miami initially led early in the second half when Claudia Negrete Garcia redirected a corner play into a backhand shot that deflected off Henriette Schlueter's stick and over Spartan keeper Lyra Gavino for Schlueter's fourth goal of the season.

Both teams had several scoring opportunities throughout the match. Miami held a 22-14 edge in shot attempts and eight corners compared to MSU’s seven. Rutherford nearly ended it earlier in overtime but was denied by Miami keeper Nicky Sjouken. Gavino made ten saves for Michigan State, while Sjouken recorded four stops for Miami.

MSU will conclude its three-game non-conference stretch on Sunday when it hosts Kent State.

"Michigan State was playing its fourth overtime game of the season and second consecutive," stated Michigan State Field Hockey. "Ellie Rutherford and Emma O'Neil – both seniors – were the Spartans finding the back of the net in this game to earn the win."

With their goals today, Rutherford and O'Neill now have ten points each (3-4-10), joining Bianca Pizano atop the scoring chart. Gavino's ten saves marked her second double-digit save effort this season.