By starting the Big Ten season off with two wins last weekend, the Michigan field hockey team served notice that it is a legitimate contender for the conference championship. But, if the Wolverines wish to show that they can move from contender to actual champion, then another huge test looms this weekend in East Lansing.
Michigan (2-0 Big Ten, 9-2 overall) will square off against Michigan State (1-1, 7-3) Sunday, after a non-conference game against St. Louis at home tomorrow.
While any Big Ten game is always important, especially when the conference season consists of only 10 games, this Sunday's clash with the Spartans figures to be one of the most hotly contested and well-played games in which the Wolverines will participate all season for several reasons:
1. The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry.
No matter what the sport is, when the Wolverines and Spartans tangle one can expect both teams to play with intensity for the entire game. For proof of this, one need look no further than last year when, despite only winning two conference games, Michigan was able to upend Michigan State at home in a thrilling one-goal game that was still in doubt until the final whistle blew.
2. The effect of this game on the Big Ten standings.
The Wolverines sit atop the conference standings with a 2-0 record. The Spartans trail Michigan by only a game with a 1-1 mark. A Michigan win not only pushes its lead over Michigan State to two games, but establishes it as the team to beat in the Big Ten. But a loss pulls the Wolverines back into the middle of the standings and significantly muddles the Big Ten title picture.
3. Both teams possess an abundance of talent.
The Spartans, who have been ranked as high as No. 12 this year, have three players among the top 10 in scoring in the conference. Led by forward Rayna Hiscox, who has 10 goals, this experienced trio provides Michigan State with a lethal attack.
The Spartans are also strong at the other end of the field with goalie Beth George, who has allowed less than one goal per game this season.
The Wolverines will counter with several weapons of their own. Leading the way will be the Big Ten offensive player of the week, Julie Flachs. Michigan is also very strong in goal with senior Amy Helber who leads the Big Ten in shutouts.
4. The schedule only gets tougher for Michigan.
The game with the Spartans will be the first of five straight conference games on the road for the Wolverines. Such a lengthy road trip in conference play is almost unheard of in any sport, and could very well make or break the Wolverines.
"The five games on the road will be very tough emotionally and very demanding on the girls," Pankratz said. "So it is very important to start with a win on the road."
While the game with Michigan State is shaping up to be an enormously important game, the Wolverines insist that they are not looking past the game with St. Louis on Saturday.
"We always take it one game at a time, and this just happens to be a non-conference game," Johnson said.
10-03-97
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