IU falls to Spartans to end season

The final game of the IU women's soccer season symbolized the entire year for the Hoosiers. \nIU head coach Mick Lyon described the year as "a season that almost was."\nThe Hoosiers ended their 2005 campaign with a 3-0 loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament Thursday. The Spartans, who also beat IU earlier in the season, will move on to play either Purdue or Wisconsin in the second round.\nThe teams played evenly throughout the first half, as the score remained tied at zero heading into halftime. \nWhile the teams were still playing as equals very early in the second half, one break was all Michigan State needed. Two goals in just past three minutes put the game out of reach for the Hoosiers. The Spartans added their final goal with only three minutes remaining.\n"We weren't completely focused out there today," said freshman Molly Krueger. "However, even with that, I think we played better than a 3-0 game today."\nWhile Krueger has plenty more soccer to play in her career, four IU seniors played their final game Thursday. Defender Robin Barker, goalkeeper Lauren Fabbro, defender Courtney O'Brien and captain midfielder Kristen Zmijewski's careers playing with the Hoosiers are finished.\n"It's tough to know this was my last game," Zmijewski said. "It hasn't really hit me yet. I've been playing soccer my whole life, so it feels surreal right now."\nZmijewski had a successful final year, including being named to the All-Big Ten first team. Krueger was also given an honor in being named to the All-Freshman Big Ten team.\nEven though this season has just been completed, the team feels confident heading into next year.\n"We're losing four wonderful seniors," Lyon said. "However, we have some talented youngsters, and I think we have a bright future."\nKrueger also said she thinks the team's future is bright, adding, "We have a lot of good recruits coming in."\nZmijewski does not have another season to look forward to, but she said she has some great memories to look back on.\n"This season was filled with ups and downs," Zmijewski said. "But I'm glad we finished strong towards the end of the season. It's something I'll never forget"