MSU Field Hockey: Spartans Fall to Kent State in Season Opener, 3-1

Kendal Anderson scored her first goal of the season on a penalty stroke.

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State field hockey team lost its season opener, 3-1, to Kent State on Friday afternoon in Kent, Ohio. With the game tied at 1-1, the Golden Flashes scored a late first-half goal and added on a quick tally less than a minute into the second half to pull away from the Spartans.

Kent State (1-0) generated much of the opportunities in the early going and broke through in the 24th minute to take a 1-0 lead on a goal by Shannon Talbot off a deflection in front.

The Spartans (0-1) responded and tied the game after drawing a penalty stroke in the game’s 29th minute. Kendal Anderson converted for her first goal of the season.

The Golden Flashes then regained the lead just before halftime, scoring a goal on another deflection in the 33rd minute to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Kent State outshot the Spartans, 11-4, in the first half, and MSU goaltender Katie Miller made three saves in the opening frame. Miller added three in the second half to finish with six saves for the game.

Kent State wasted no time picking up where they left off after halftime, scoring a goal less than a minute into the in the second half to go ahead 3-1.

The Spartans return to action on Sunday, Aug. 28, at 12 p.m. ET against Villanova. The game will take place in Kent.