D-I Round 1: Michigan State at Florida State

TALLAHASSEE – I still remember the sound of the screams coming off the Michigan State bench when the Spartans won the 2018 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance.

It encompassed the pure joy that comes from the knowledge that, as a team, State outworked everyone.

Alas, that was two coaches and a pandemic ago.

Sparty has re-upped with Matt Holtz, who was MSU’s head coach from 2005-07, in hopes of keeping the train rolling.

D-I Round 1: Michigan State at Florida State | https://t.co/h0LIK1iSIn #virtualmcla20
— MCLA Tournament '21 (@MCLA_Tournament) March 29, 2020

With a talented roster stocked to make another run, Michigan State is a dangerous opponent.

Senior long-stick midfielder Ian Genord is a difference-maker and has the ring to prove it. Classmate C.J. Deal is a multi-dimensional pole who works well with junior Will Peterson.

Nick Bowman leads a solid offensive unit into this contest.

“We’ve got two excellent teams going head-to-head,” said Holtz. “Each team has its strengths. Making sure our strengths prevail is my job.”

The Spartans will face the Seminoles for the second time.

The two teams met on March 4 in Tallahassee with FSU taking home the 12-10 triumph.

Both senior Davis Crayner and junior Reid Smith dropped three points on the Spartans in that game and will need to be accounted for again in this rematch.

Travis Quillin leads a salty defensive unit that has been locking up a lot of teams, including Michigan State. Combo Quillan with sophomore Cameron Strickler and ground balls are hard to come by.

“The first time we played Michigan State was a great game,” said Florida State coach Darby Brower. “There is no question in my mind that the second edition will be just as entertaining.”

[*- The coach didn’t really say this. This is all made up. It’s fake]