EAST LANSING, Mich. – The 10th-ranked Saint Joseph's field hockey team turned in a smothering defensive performance on Friday night, blanking Michigan State, 2-0, at Ralph Young Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Hawks were on the front foot early, but it was Michigan State (1-3) that held the early lead in shots, recording the first two of the game.

• Saint Joseph's (4-1) made its first shot of the game count, however, as Leigh James opened the scoring with 29 seconds to go in the first quarter on an assist from Manu Ghigliotti.

• Ghigliotti got on the board herself a minute and a half into the second quarter, tallying her seventh of the season to double the lead.

• The Hawk defense went to work after that, not allowing the Spartans to put together any sustained offensive pressure.  MSU had an opportunity for a penalty stroke in the third quarter, but upon review, the call was overturned and the Hawks were awarded possession.

BEHIND THE BOX SCORE
• Saint Joseph's held Michigan State without a shot over the final 50 minutes of the game, holding a 9-2 edge on the night.  The Hawks also earned four corners to just one for the Spartans.

• Janelle Ward made one save for her second shutout of the season.  Lyra Gavino made five stops for Michigan State.

• Ghigliotti totaled three points for the night, her third three-plus point showing over the course of the first five games of the season.

UP NEXT
The Hawks remain in the Wolverine State to take on #8 Michigan on Sunday.  Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.