Aug. 31, 2012

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WATCH: MSU vs. Stanford Highlights

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State field hockey team topped No. 11 Stanford, 2-1, in its home opener of the 2012 season.  The Spartans (2-1) rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to score twice in the second half for a victory over the Cardinal.  Katherine Jamieson and Heather Howie scored their first goals of the season.

"This win against Stanford will set the tempo for the season," said head coach Helen Knull.  "A win against a ranked in-region team is great for our standing and for our team confidence.  The adjustments we made at half time were huge and showed on the scoreboard."

Jamieson scored the game-tying goal 10 minutes into the second half.  The Spartan goal came after Jamieson completed a close shot onto the left side of the goal on Dulcie Davies, Stanford's goalkeeper. 

At 50:41, Howie scored the game-winning goal for the Spartans.  Using her speed, Howie passed defenders by dribbling the ball in from the baseline.  Howie then tapped the ball in for a goal. 

Redshirt junior Molly Cassidy recorded a season high of 11 saves during the game. 

The Cardinal's Lauren Becker scored their only goal during the first half at 25:31. 

The Spartans will play Miami (Ohio) on Sunday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m. in a home game at Ralph Young Field.