NORFOLK, Va. -- Julia Van Dorsten's goal with 11 seconds remaining propelled No. 25 Old Dominion to a thrilling, come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Michigan State on Friday evening at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex.
With the score tied 2-2 and under a minute play, Van Dorsten fired a shot off of a penalty corner that was saved by the Michigan State (3-3) goalkeeper. However, the rebound caromed back to Van Dorsten, who elevated her second shot over the MSU keeper.
"I think it was a good example of the whole game," said head coach Andrew Griffiths about Van Dorsten's goal. "We were taking good shots. We were moving the ball well. It wasn't always perfect, but we just kept at it. And that's the thing I was really happy to see with this team."
Michigan State opened the scoring in the 17th minute, when Kendal Anderson scored to put the Spartans ahead.
Old Dominion (2-3) answered in the 28th minute, as freshman Mia Fucci scored her first career goal to even the match. Alexandria Brewer earned the assist on Fucci's goal.
The game entered halftime deadlocked at 1-1, despite a 12-4 advantage in shots for ODU.
Early in the second half, Michigan State regained the lead on Hannah Ackers' penalty-corner goal in the 40th minute. However, ODU once again answered, as Erin Huffman netted her fourth goal of the season to tie the game at 2-2 in the 58th minute. Huffman is now tied for the team lead in goals with four.
The game remained scoreless for the next 11 minutes, before Van Dorsten's game-winner in the waning seconds.
"When it first hit the pads of the goalie, I thought that this needs to be up in the air," said Van Dorsten about her game-winner. "So, I flicked it up and it went in. I could not be happier in that moment."
Overall, ODU outshot the Spartans, 18-7, and held a 6-4 edge in corners. Kealsie Robles earned the win in goal, making three saves.
"I thought we played a lot more together than we did in the last game," said Griffiths. "That's a good step for us. We fought hard."
The Monarchs return to action on Sunday at 2 p.m. against Richmond at L.R. Hill. In addition to ODU's game on Sunday, No. 10 Virginia and Michigan State will play in a neutral-site game at L.R. Hill at 11 a.m.
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