LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Following four straight contests away from Louisville to begin the season, the Bellarmine field hockey team opens their home schedule on Friday, September 13 against Michigan State at Trager Stadium. The game is slated to begin at 1 p.m. ET.
 
About Michigan State
The Spartans (2-2) will be the first of two straight power conference foes for the Knights. (Stanford will also visit on Wednesday, September 18.) Michigan State has yet to be defeated in regulation this season. During a trip to northern California, they fended off UC Davis, 4-3, after a frenetic fourth quarter that saw the Aggies pull to within a goal of the Spartans twice. They did not have the same luck in their second game, losing to California 2-1 in overtime. At home last weekend, they defeated Vermont 3-1 before dropping another overtime contest, this one to Bellarmine's MAC foe Ohio, 3-2. Sophomore forward Bianca Pizano leads MSU with tree goals, including two in the opener against UC Davis. Senior forward Emma O'Neill leads the team with three assists.
 
Friday's matchup will be the Knights' second-ever tussle with the Spartans. MSU earned a 3-1 win in East Lansing, Mich., on September 18, 2022.
 
Boisvert on the Spartans
"We're thrilled to be in Louisville this weekend for our home opener against Michigan State. The players have done a fantastic job balancing their academics and hockey while being on the road for the past two weekends. Opening up against a Big Ten team like Michigan State, known for its structured hockey and a mix of experienced veterans and impactful freshmen, will challenge us to perform at our best." –Devanny Boisvert
 
Last Week
Bellarmine split two games in the northeast, downing Rider 2-1 in double-overtime on their home field and dropping a 3-0 decision to Long Island on the campus of Hofstra University. Midfielder Anna Crump scored both goals against Rider for her first two scores of the season. It was her fourth multi-goal game of her career. She has had a hand in all five goals the Knights have scored this season after assisting on the first three. She leads BU with seven points, as many as the rest of the team combined. Freshman Dominique Hudson recorded her first career defensive save vs. LIU.
 
Watch Me, Watch Me
Midfielder Bente Moormann has been named to the 2024 NFHCA Watchlist. The senior garnered Second Team All-MAC status as a junior.
 
Work the Metal
Junior keeper Kailey Workman is averaging 7.25 saves/game and has posted a .806 save percentage through the season's first four games. She has played all 264 minutes in-goal this season.
 
Michigan State is the first of three straight games at home for the Knights. They will take on another power conference opponent, Stanford of the ACC, on Wednesday, September 18 before opening MAC play against seven-time defending conference champion, Miami (Ohio), on Sunday, September 22.
 
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