However, Boston College proved to be the Spartans first test this weekend after leading for the majority of the contest. Michigan State got on the scoreboard first with an early goal from sophomore midfielder Tyler Ryan within the first minute of the game. The Eagles then ran off three unanswered goals before junior Dan Witt scored off an assist from freshman Michael Baily at the 4:28 mark. Boston College answered right back on the next faceoff. Junior attackman Pat Nemes kept the Spartans in the game by netting two goals of his own to keep the Spartans within two of the Eagles heading into the second quarter.

The game went nearly 10 minutes without a score before the Eagles netted another goal to go up 7-4 over Michigan State. However, the Spartans answered right back on the next faceoff when senior Derek Baynton drew the ball back to senior midfielder Justin Ward who blew past Boston College’s defense and scored to keep the Spartans within two. But the Eagles would answer back with two goals by senior midfielder Alex Vinton to put the Eagles up 9-6 heading into halftime. 

Despite frequent penalties throughout the game, the Michigan State defense came out in the second half and dominated the Eagles’ high powered offense, holding Boston College to only one goal in the second half. Almost the entire third quarter would go by without a goal until the Eagles scored with 3:52 left in the third. However, with two minutes left, Patrick Nemes’ drive to the goal created a great opportunity to find an open Connor Bush on the doorstep of the BC’s goal. His goal kept the stalled the Eagles lead at three. The third quarter appeared to be over with the Eagles leading 10-7 but with :12 seconds left, sophomore attackman Shane Jay-Garfein would not be denied as he drove through two Eagles to find the back of the net. This would cut the Eagles lead to 10-8 heading into the final quarter of the game.

In the fourth quarter Jay-Garfien caught fire netting three more goals over the first nine minutes of the final quarter to give the Spartans their first lead since the first minute of the game. Sophomore midfielder Luke Poquette would seal the Spartan victory with a goal with 1:15 left in the game. This goal would be the last of six unanswered goals giving MSU a 12-10 win.

Senior goaltender Dean Hall played extremely well in the second half stopping the Eagles six times including five extra man opportunities for Boston College. Michigan State out hustled Boston College on ground balls 35 to 33 led by junior defensemen Mike Schneider with five. Shots on goal were also in favor of the Spartans 38 to 30.

Michigan State faces their toughest test tomorrow afternoon against the no. 8 ranked Florida State Seminoles. The Spartans will require more of the same from their high powered offense and tenacious defense when they face one of the toughest teams in the MCLA.