Field hockey off to dream start in California with 3 straight wins

By Dan Stillman
Daily Sports Writer

What a difference a year has made for the Michigan field hockey team.

Last season started with a whimper, as the Wolverines lost two of their first three games on their way to a 2-8 Big Ten record and an overall mark of 7-11 under first-year coach Marcia Pankratz.

The Wolverines opened this season last weekend with a roar, snatching three victories at Berkeley from Northern California teams.

After edging Stanford, 1-0, on Saturday, Michigan (3-0) came from behind in dominating fashion to beat host California, 2-1, on Sunday, before cruising past Pacific, 4-1, on Monday. All three victories came despite the absence of four starters - Amy Philbrook, Ashley Reichenbach, Kelli Gannon and Kati Oakes - all of whom are in Korea participating in the World Championships and will not return until mid-December.

Last year at this time, the Wolverines were in the process of learning a new system from a new but very well-respected coaching staff.

Pankratz, a two-time U.S. Olympian herself, brought with her assistant coaches Tracey Fuchs, also a two-time Olympian, and national team goalkeeper Peggy Storrar.

Now that the coaches have a year under their belt, their influence looks to be paying dividends.

"The kids have been learning a whole new style," Pankratz said. "It's taken a year to get to where we are now."

And where they are now is undefeated and hitting on all cylinders.

"We played great hockey," Pankratz said. "The passing game was outstanding and the defense was strong."

Forward Lindsay Babbitt and midfielder Julie Flachs got Michigan's season off to a winning start in Saturday's game against Stanford. Babbitt made a great play with 25:27 remaining in the first half, intercepting a Stanford clearing attempt. She then found Flachs, who dribbled in and beat the Cardinal defense for the only goal of the game.

Against California on Sunday, the Wolverines fell behind quickly when the Bears converted on a penalty corner five minutes into the match.

It was all Michigan from then on, however, as the Wolverines accounted for 32 of the game's final 34 shots.

Michigan tied the match, 1-1, with 25:20 remaining in the second half when midfielder/defender Loveita Wilkinson scored on a penalty corner of her own.

With 12:54 left in the second half, it was the senior, Flachs, who would score her second game-winning goal of the weekend, but not before a freshman, midfielder Courtney Reid, muscled her way through the Bears' defense and dished the ball to Flachs for the assist.

The come-from-behind victory impressed Pankratz and may be a sign of good things to come for the Wolverines.

"They stayed patient and poised," Pankratz said. "They kept being relentless" after falling behind.

Michigan rode the wave of momentum from its come-back triumph to roll over Pacific in Monday's match. The Wolverines were so dominant in the 4-1 victory that Michigan goalkeeper Amy Helber touched the ball only twice in the game while the Wolverines outshot the Tigers, 58-5.

Despite their strong start, the Wolverines will need all the help they can get in their next match - a home contest, Saturday at noon at Ocker Field, against two-time defending national champion and top-ranked North Carolina.

What's that building?: That little red structure you might have seen along State Street next to the hockey field is a brand new complex for the field hockey and soccer teams.

Inside is a training room, locker rooms and a team room, all of which Pankratz said will not only help the current team, but also recruiting.

"We probably have the best field hockey complex in the United States," Pankratz said. "We feel very at home."

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