By Larry Arreguin | LPL News Wire| September 21, 2025

MSU opened with a statement victory, shutting out defending Big Ten champions USC, 4–0.

Kennedy Bell (#24) scored twice, while Kayla Briggs (#9) and Remini Tillotson (#6) each added goals. Goalkeeper Noelle Henning (#0) anchored the defense with three saves as the Spartans improved to 6–2–4 overall and 3–0–2 in Big Ten play.

That momentum carried over from their showdown with No. 4 UCLA, where Bell once again put the Spartans ahead early with a 19th-minute strike. UCLA equalized in the second half through Kara Croone (#23), and despite late pushes from both sides, the match ended in a hard-fought 1–1 draw.

MSU is currently riding a three-game unbeaten stretch, defeating USC, Minnesota (2–1), and Wisconsin (6–0), heading into a challenging October road slate. The Spartans will face Ohio State on Oct. 5, Michigan on Oct. 9, Iowa on Oct. 12, Indiana on Oct. 16, Illinois on Oct. 19, and Nebraska on Oct. 26. All contests will be played on the road.