ATHENS, Ohio – Saint Louis field hockey fell to Michigan State 3-0 Saturday afternoon at Pruitt Field in the Billikens' season opener.
SLU stays in Ohio to face the host Ohio University Bobcats on Sunday. Game time is noon CT, and it will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Michigan State (2-0) scored all three of its goals in the opening period. Bianca Pizano converted a pair of penalty strokes, scoring just 15 seconds into the contest before adding her second goal at the 4:58 mark. Ellie Kendall capped the first-period scoring with a goal off an assist from Ella Tambroni at 13:11.
Saint Louis settled in defensively following the opening quarter and kept the Spartans off the scoreboard for the final 45 minutes. Billiken goalie Abby Schalow recorded five saves, including four over the second and third periods.
The Billikens generated several opportunities throughout the match and held a 6-5 advantage in penalty corners. Saint Louis put together its best late push in the final minute, earning a penalty corner before Maddie Croghan and Ignacia Manriquez each had shots stopped by Michigan State goalkeeper Lola Munoz de Verger.
Michigan State finished with a 16-6 advantage in shots, while Saint Louis placed three shots on goal.Â
