Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Valparaiso opened its 2006 exhibition season on Wednesday afternoon dropping a 3-0 decision to Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich.

The Spartans opened the scoring midway through the first half as Lauren Hill found the back of the net on a cross from Maureen Pawlak.

Valpo kept things close the remainder of the half, trailing just 1-0 at intermission. The Crusaders limited the Spartans to just four shot attempts in the first 45 minutes, but managed just three of their own.

Michigan State, which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2005, added to the lead at the 53:46 mark in the second half on a goal by Kristi Timar. Lauren Sinacola added another insurance tally nearly 20 minutes later on a cross to complete the scoring.

The Brown and Gold managed six shots for the contest, including two on goal while Michigan State finished with 11 attempts, including eight on goal.

Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) made two saves in the opening period for Valpo while Mele Cabral (Boulder Colo./Fairview H.S.) made three stops in the second half. Nicole Galas made two saves for the Spartans, playing the first 62:28 of the match.

Valparaiso will conclude the exhibition season on Sunday afternoon at Eastgate Field as the Crusaders entertain Drake. Kickoff is set for noon, with the Valpo men's team facing UW-Milwaukee in game two of the day's doubleheader at 3 p.m.