Spartans Edge Past No. 12 Colorado
Michigan State entered the matchup against No. 12 Colorado riding a three‑game unbeaten streak and looking to add another marquee win to its résumé. The game also served as a revenge match, recalling the 2025 NCAA Sweet 16 clash that had left the Spartans just short of a final four appearance.
The first half unfolded as a showcase of Spartan aggression. Michigan State outshot Colorado 13‑3 and drew first blood when an own goal by the Buffaloes slipped past their keeper. Shortly thereafter, Emerson Sargeant opened the scoring with a swift strike that put the Spartans up 2‑0, capitalizing on a perfect pass from Kennedy Bell.
Bell continued to orchestrate the offense, delivering a second assist that set up Sargeant’s second goal, extending the lead to 3‑0 before the half‑time whistle. Bella Schopp, in her fifth season as starter, made four crucial saves that kept Colorado at bay and preserved the Spartans’ early advantage.
Colorado refused to go quietly. In the second half, the Buffaloes rallied with two goals, the first coming from Hope Leyba after a precise pass from her twin sister Faith. The goal cut the deficit to 3‑1, and a subsequent strike brought the score to 3‑2, injecting renewed urgency into the contest.
Despite the late surge, Schopp’s steady hands and the defensive unit’s resilience held the line. Her final save in the closing minutes secured the Spartans’ narrow victory and marked her first win of the season, a milestone that underscored her growth over five years in the net.
The win positions Michigan State for a Thursday road test against No. 25 Notre Dame. The upcoming match offers another opportunity to climb the national rankings and extend the team’s momentum as the season progresses.
Beyond the single result, the Spartans have now won three straight games against teams ranked in the top 25 or receiving votes this year. The streak reflects a program that is steadily climbing, blending early‑season dominance with late‑game resilience to carve out a promising narrative for the remainder of the campaign.