Box Score Byron Center, Mich. — The Michigan State Spartans made their way to the Southside Ice Arena on Friday (Nov. 3) to take on the Aquinas women's hockey team. AQ had a demanding presence in the first, but MSU would outlast the Saints. Michigan State won the contest 6-1.

At the drop of the puck in the first period the Saints had taken control of the match. Aquinas instantly forced the Spartans into a defensive pattern. AQ would contain MSU and apply the pressure for the first few minutes of play. The Saints had five shots after two minutes, while the Spartans had zero. Aquinas's game plan was to play faster than Michigan State, but soon enough the fatigue set in and the larger MSU roster took over. 

The Spartans controlled play for majority of the first from that point on and found the back of the net for the first time at 12:14. This goal started a hot streak and MSU went on to put the puck in again at 10:13, and 8:24. When the ice flakes settled at the horn to signal for the first intermission, the Spartans were up 3-0 with 18 shots to AQ's 10.

The Spartans went on another shooting spree in the second period due to AQ penalties. For a short period of time Aquinas played 3-on-5. Due to State's offensive hold, the Spartans out shot the Saints 30-3. Three MSU shots would strike true, lifting the Spartans to a 6-0 difference.

Even down 6-0 the Saints became more alive in the third period. They managed to find some footing and were able to push back into the Spartans. A few minutes into the third the Saints were able to make a move in MSU's defense. Jenna Blackwell found an angle and popped one in for AQ. No team found the net for the remainder of the match. Michigan State won 6-1 at Southside. 

Aquinas proved to be able to handle pressure as no goal was allowed under a power play. As a whole, Aquinas managed 23 shots while MSU totaled 65. 

The Saints travel to MSU's Munn Ice Arena on Sunday (Nov. 5) for a 12:30 p.m. puck drop.