DeBeau's goal helps MSU women's soccer cap unbeaten Big Ten season
EAST LANSING — The Michigan State women's soccer team capped the greatest season in program history in style.
The sixth-ranked Spartans, who wrapped up their first Big Ten regular season title and the No. 1 seed for the league tournament with Thursday's win over Ohio State, blanked No. 14 Rutgers 1-0 on Sunday in front of a huge crowd at DeMartin Soccer Stadium.
MSU (14-1-3 overall) finishes unbeaten in the conference at 9-0-1.
“Again, it’s just surreal. This group, every time we have a big challenge, they find a way to regroup, refocus, come out and get the job done.," MSU coach Jeff Hosler said. "Winning the Big Ten Conference, as talented as it is, with how many good coaches that there are, the level that this league has on a national stage; to win the league is something, to win it outright and to go undefeated in it is pretty special.
"I am so thrilled for our current players, our athletic department and everyone here at Michigan State. I mean what a cool way to win today with over 60 alumni in town. Being able to celebrate with them meant the world.”
More: Couch: How MSU's women's soccer program so quickly changed course and became Big Ten champions
Leading scorer Lauren DeBeau scored the game's only goal – her 10th of the season – as the Spartans, who were picked to finish sixth in the preseason conference poll, defeated the Scarlet Knights (13-3-2, 5-3-2), the defending champions and preseason favorites.
DeBeau, who was roommates with former Spartan Ava Cook, one of the best players in program history, in 2021, credits the former MSU forward in helping her lead the team.
"She's taught me so much on how to be a leader and how to really dig deep" DeBeau said. "That was an Ava Cook goal, so she helped me out. It's amazing to see all the alumni come back and hoist the trophy for them as well."
The Spartans prevailed in a Big Ten Conference in which five teams are ranked in the top 25 in the country. For several players, it is unfamiliar territory.
Earlier in the season, junior midfielder Zivana Labovic emphasized that she wanted to win a Big Ten championship. The Spartans were 4-1-1 after their first six games. The Indiana native pointed out that even with the success the team finds themselves in, there is still more to be done.
Related:MSU women's soccer: Chasing big titles in 2022
"There's so much more to be accomplished and this team is hungry for it," Labovic said. "No matter what we get ranked, no matter what the record says, we just keep that underdog mentality. Instead of letting people put a target on our back we put a target on theirs."
Michigan State will next host Minnesota in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament on Oct. 30. The Spartans and Golden Gophers (8-7-3) did not meet during the regular season. The start time has not been announced.
Veronica Bolanos is a news assistant at the Lansing State Journal. Contact her at VBolanos@lsj.com or 517.267.0460. Follow her on Twitter @BVeronica19.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Women's soccer: Michigan State tops Rutgers in final regular Big Ten game
