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OXFORD, Ohio – The seventh-ranked Virginia field hockey team (4-3) was shut out by Michigan State 3-0 Saturday in Oxford, Ohio. The Cavaliers are in the midst of a seven-game road swing.

It was the first win of the season for Michigan State, who improved to 1-4.

The Spartans finished with a slight edge in shots, 9-8, including a 7-3 advantage in the first half. Both teams took four penalty corners.

Sophomore Elly Buckley led Virginia with five shots, including three that were on target.

Michigan State scored its first goal in the 28th minute when Jenni Smith dished the ball to Abby Barker, who beat the last UVa defender and fired the ball into the back of the cage. Then just before halftime, the Spartans went up 2-0 when Allie Ahern’s shot from near the top of the circle found its way over the goal line.

MSU recorded its third goal late in the second half. In the 63rd minute, the Spartan offense continued its pressure into the circle. A ball bounced through and found its way to Elizabeth Helffrich, who was able to collect the ball and shoot it into the net.

Michigan State goalkeeper Molly Cassidy finished with five saves in helping the Spartans record their first shutout of the year. Virginia freshman Jenny Johnstone tallied two saves.

The Cavaliers continue their road trip next weekend with two more non-conference games in Evanston, Ill. Virginia will play California at 1 p.m. Saturday and Northwestern at 1 p.m. Sunday.

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