Michigan State hockey beats Lake Superior State for series split

After dropping the first game of the series on Friday, the Michigan State Spartans picked up a key win on Saturday, 4-2, over Lake Superior State to split the two-game set.

Michigan State freshman goalie Jake Hildebrand earned the win in his first career start for the Spartans, as he sent away 27 of the 29 shots he faced in the game. Hildebrand was staked to an early 1-0 lead after a first-period goal from John Draeger, and proceeded to keep Lake Superior State scoreless over a frenzied opening 20 minutes.

Sophomore forward Tanner Sorenson chipped in his third goal of the year in the second period, while Matt Berry then gave the Spartans a pivotal two-gaol advantage just six minutes into the final stanza. Down by two goals with four minutes on the clock, the Lakers opted to pull their goalie and utilize an extra attacker in order to close the deficit in a bold decision.

Though Hildebrand was eventually beaten on a high wrist shot from a Lakers winger, the youngster held strong in the waning seconds to help seal the MSU victory. Still in search of their first series sweep of the season, Michigan State will face Bowling Green for a pair of games this upcoming weekend.