EAST LANSING, MI- The Michigan State University Spartans faced off with the Grand Valley State University Lakers in a thrilling match at Munn Ice Arena. Both teams started out strong right from the start, and the challenge only was just beginning.
The Lakers tallied the first two points of the game, leaving the Spartans trailing behind. Shortly after, sophomore Shayna Menzer (Boston, MA / Dexter Southfield HS) scored the first goal for MSU after a pass from junior Amber Danules (Hartland, MI / Little Caesars 19u), bringing the score to 2-1, Lakers lead. Senior captain Natalia Asimakis (Grosse Pointe Shore, MI / Plattsburgh) tied things up with a goal assisted by junior Lucia Schmitz (Manheim, GER / Mad Dogs Manheim) in her first season as a Spartan. The first period wrapped up with a tied scoreboard 2-2 and three penalties.
The second period saw no scoring, but penalties from just seconds into the period. MSU tallied three penalties and GVSU received two. The intensity on the ice was quickly growing. Junior Sydney MacPherson shared that the game against the Lakers was very chippy, and the Spartans had to fight hard and stay strong to prevent drawing penalties.
Starting the third period the score was tied at 2-2 still, and remained that way until just 55.7 seconds left in the game when GVSU pulled ahead with another goal. The Spartans began fighting harder than ever, MacPherson (Waltham, MA / Waltham) sent a rocket of a shot at the goal and tied the game with just 8.6 seconds left, sending the teams into a 3v3 overtime sudden death. Captain Asimakis tallied the apple on the game-tying goal for her second point of the game.
With the score tied at 3-3, both teams took a moment to strategize and build up energy to secure a win. Both teams fought hard, skating faster and stronger than they had the whole game trying to pull the win in this high intensity overtime. With a sprint to the net and a signature Katie Novell (Novi, MI / Honeybaked AAA) slapshot, junior Novell tallied the game winning goal for the Spartans. Freshman Lily Manderfield (Frisco, TX / Dallas Stars Elite) would grab the game-winning-goal assist for the Spartans for her sixth point of the season.
Junior Savina Osann (Salem Township, MI / PCS Penguins) blocked 12 of 15 shots faced from Grand Valley opposers, while Michigan State put up 44 shots on the Laker goaltender.
Novell reflected on the game, saying that everyone played well and strong, and GVSU put a lot of pressure on them. But with the Spartan attitude of not losing a third period, Novell stated that that only motivated everyone to play harder and stronger to secure the win. When asked about how it felt to score the game winner, she shared it felt “surreal” and didn’t seem possible. MacPherson had similar sentiments, stating that the Lakers pushed back a lot and provided a challenging game both physically and mentally. She was excited about the success the team pulled at the end, and was happy to score her second goal of the season to tie up the game.
The Division 1 Spartans are back on the ice December 3 and 4 as they travel to take on Penn State University in a two-game road series.
To keep up with the Spartans this season, follow us on social media:
Facebook: MSU Women’s Club Ice Hockey
Instagram: @msuwomensicehockey
Twitter: @SpartanWHockey
Author: Audrey Kahler, Communications Assistant
Editor: Mackenzie McMahon, Communications Manager
Photos: Katie Smith, Graphic Design Assistant
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