File Photo by Mark Campbell

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The University of Delaware field hockey team scored two second half goals but the Blue Hens’ rally fell a goal short as UD dropped its season opener to No. 10 Michigan State, 3-2, Saturday afternoon in the first round of the Champions Challenge hosted by the University of Louisville.

The Spartans, who improved to 2-2 all-time against Delaware, opened the scoring just 4:06 into the contest as Geraldine Raynor scored on a penalty corner off assists from Michelle Ciliberti and Gwen Riley. Michigan State went ahead 2-0 just over four minutes later when Floor Rijpma collected a free hit into the circle by Jeamie Deacon and fired a shot into the cage.

The Spartans took a three-goal advantage when Riley scored an unassisted goal with 6:51 remaining in the first half.

Delaware got on the board with 22:50 left in the game when sophomore back Florence Sijbrandij (at right) collected a rebound and drilled a shot into the cage to record the first goal of her Blue Hen career. UD pulled within one goal with 8:48 remaining as Sijbrandij’s shot was stopped by Spartans goalkeeper Elissa Unger, but junior midfielder Rachel Schexnayder corralled the rebound and scored her third career goal to make it a 3 2 game.

However Michigan State’s defense would not allow the tying goal as the Spartans hung on for the victory.

Unger made three saves for Michigan State, while Delaware freshman Noelle Diana stopped five shots in her Blue Hen debut.The Spartans held a 16-6 shot advantage and a 10-3 edge in penalty corners.

Delaware returns to action on Sunday when the Blue Hens take on 12th-ranked Duke at 11:30 a.m. The Blue Devils fell to No. 17 Louisville, 1-0, in Saturday’s opening game.

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