Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's field hockey team is set to face Indiana University in Bloomington for the final game of the regular season. The match, scheduled for Friday at Deborah Tobias Field, will conclude the Big Ten season for both teams.

The Spartans recently split their last home games. They secured a 2-1 victory over Iowa with contributions from Maddie Lawlor and freshman Carmen Pucheta, who scored the overtime winner. However, they fell to No. 1 Northwestern despite a strong performance by goalkeeper Lyra Gavino, who made 17 saves.

Indiana's head coach Kayla Bashore is leading her team into this matchup with an 8-8 record. The Hoosiers have achieved notable victories this season, including overtime wins against Rutgers and Iowa and an upset against Michigan. Ines Garcia Prado is currently Indiana's top scorer with eight goals and 17 points.

Michigan State has played seven overtime games this season, matching records from previous years. They have doubled their win total from last year and scored more goals than in the entire previous season.

Both teams feature players recognized by the Big Ten conference for their performances. MSU's Lyra Gavino was named Defensive Player of the Week after her impressive saves against Iowa and Northwestern. Indiana's Sadie Canelli earned Freshman of the Week honors following her efforts against Ohio State and Michigan.

The Spartans' offensive lineup includes six players with double-digit points, marking one of their most productive seasons in recent years. Emma O'Neill leads in scoring with five goals and eleven assists, while Ellie Rutherford tops the assist chart.

Freshmen Carmen Pucheta and Lilian Knorr are tied for fifth on MSU's scoring list, each contributing significantly to the team's success this season.