New coach redirects field hockey's goals

Michigan field hockey coach Marcia Pankratz has had considerable success in her career.

As a two-time Olympian -- most recently in Atlanta last year.

As Big Ten athlete of the decade after her playing days at Iowa.

Receiving several most valuable player awards while in college. The list goes on.

But her most challenging undertaking might have been this past season, her first as head coach for the Wolverines.

"I want to bring an elite international style of hockey to Michigan, along with an enthusiasm for the game, and a new level of commitment and success," Pankratz said at the beginning of the season.

Although the Wolverines finished in sixth place in the Big Ten (2-8 Big Ten, 7-11 overall), the season wasn't without excitement.

On Oct. 27, Michigan upset No. 10 Ohio State, 3-2, at Ocker Field. In a closely contested battle, the Wolverines broke a 2-2 tie when Michigan senior midfielder Selina Harris beat Ohio State goalkeeper Nikki Thompson to score the winning goal.

The 3-2 victory was Michigan's first conference win of the season. After having lost their three previous games, the victory was a much-needed one for the Wolverines.

"It was a big game for us," Michigan junior Julie Flachs said after that weekend. "It's much better to end the weekend with a win."

The Wolverines defeated Michigan State on Oct. 2 for Michigan's other conference victory. After trailing for most of the game, the Wolverines broke through with a goal by Flachs with 3:24 left in the game. Michigan won the game 4-3.

Another exciting contest for the Wolverines was on Sept. 21 when Ball State came to town. Flachs scored a hat trick -- including the game winner at 12:25 in overtime -- to give the Wolverines a 3-2 victory.

"I shot the ball and it hit on of their players' feet," Flachs said after the game. "She was down and I got another chance. I knew exactly where to shoot it and I put it in."

Michigan didn't fare too well in the postseason. The Wolverines were soundly defeated in the first round of the conference tournament by Penn State, 4-1. The Lions eventually won the conference tournament, beating regular-season champions Iowa.

The Wolverines had their share of disappointing contests -- games which they came agonizingly close to winning.

Michigan dropped the first game of the season to Temple, 1-0. Although out-shooting the Owls 23-5, Temple's goaltender Deb Brown was stingy, not allowing a single score.

"I'm disappointed with the score, but the girls played very well," Pankratz said after the loss.

On Sept. 27, Ohio State visited Ann Arbor, and got out to a 3-2 lead by halftime. After a scoreless 35 minutes, the Wolverines finally tied the game -- but a second too late. Flachs' goal came a second after the buzzer, and was disallowed. The Buckeyes held on to win, 3-2.

With the season winding down, the Wolverines hosted Northwestern on Nov 1. The Wildcats got out to a two-goal lead, but Michigan rallied with two in the second half. At 9:50 in overtime, Northwestern's Amy Borneman scored to hand Michigan its seventh loss in the conference.

Several Wolverines had outstanding individual performances during the past seasons.

Flachs was named to the Midwest/West regional All-American team and the All-Big Ten second team. Senior defender Bree Derr was named a second-team Midwest/West regional All-American, as well as the All-Big Ten second team.

But senior attacker Michelle Smulders topped them all. The 5-foot-5 Houston native led the Wolverines in goals (17) and points (37) and was named to the Coaches Association All-American second-team and the Midwest/West Regional All-American first team.

Pankratz has apparently been doing her job in another important aspect of coaching at a major university: recruiting.

Five top high school players will be joining Pankratz in her sophomore campaign, in an effort to rebuild the program to where it was as recently as two seasons ago -- No. 16 nationally in 1995.

09-03-97