'M' kickers put win streak on the line

By Andy Latack
Daily Sports Writer

FILE PHOTO Sophomore midfielder Shannon Poole is one of many young, but successful, Wolverines. Michigan is in the midst of its best start ever.

The Michigan soccer team is off to its best start in the program's four-year history.

At 5-1, the three-game winning streak No. 16 Michigan is riding is two short of a school record. The Wolverines have also outscored their opponents, 22-5, this season.

Get out a pencil and paper. Write these impressive stats down. Crumple up this paper and throw it out the window, because all these numbers mean nothing now.

The Big Ten season will begin today when Michigan travels to Bloomington to face Indiana.

The Hoosiers, the defending Big Ten champions, will certainly not be intimidated by Michigan's impressive start.

In fact, Indiana boasts a solid start of its own, one that is very similar to the Wolverines'. Like Michigan, the Hoosiers are enjoying a three-game win streak, and post a 5-1 record on the season.

The Hoosiers have been dominant in the early season, winning their last three games by a combined score of 10-1.

Something's got to give when the Hoosiers meet the Wolverines.

"I think we're very prepared," Michigan coach Debbie Belkin said. "We've played against some good teams, which was a warm-up for the conference season."

Michigan relies heavily on youth, as three of its top four scorers are underclassmen.

Sophomore Amber Berendowsky leads the team with 15 points, and freshman Kacy Beitel and sophomore Emily Schmitt join senior Ruth Poulin as the scoring leaders.

Belkin is confident that her young team will stand up to the rigors of the conference season.

"I'm not worried about inexperience," Belkin said. "Most everyone has been through a Big Ten season at least once and knows what to expect."

Belkin also points to the leadership provided by older players, such as Poulin and senior tri-captain Debbie Flaherty, as essential in conference play.

After today's game in Bloomington, Michigan travels home to host Ohio State on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Michigan Soccer Field.

While Belkin maintains that no conference game will be easy, the Buckeyes (2-3-1) appear to be less of a threat than Indiana, at least on paper.

The Buckeyes sport a three-game streak of their own - a losing streak.

Ohio State has mustered just one goal in their last three games, including a 5-1 trouncing at the hands of Xavier.

Not surprisingly, the Michigan-Ohio State series has a great history.

In three years of play, the Buckeyes lead the series, 3-1, and have saddled the Wolverines with three shutouts in regular-season meetings.

Michigan took its revenge in postseason play, however, defeating the Buckeyes in the first round of last year's Big Ten tournament.

"They have a new coach," said Belkin, referring to new Buckeyes coach Lori Walker, "So, we're not sure what style of play to expect.

"It's definitely going to be a physical game."

Michigan has looked impressive in its non-conference schedule. Now, with six-straight Big Ten games staring the Wolverines in the face, it remains to be seen whether they will contend for the wide-open conference title.

Beating the defending champs in their own backyard would be a good start.

09-18-97