'M' soccer shoots for sixth straight

What a difference a year makes.

After compiling a ghastly 6-15 Big Ten record the past three years, Michigan is coming into this weekend undefeated in the conference (2-0). But the Wolverines have a rough time ahead of them.

Michigan, 7-1 overall faces the dual challenge of conference rivals Wisconsin and Northwestern this weekend to keep its pristine mark intact.

Wisconsin - Michigan's opponent at 3 p.m. today on Michigan Soccer Field - has been Michigan's Achilles' heel since the women's soccer team was formed four years ago.

In their five meetings, the Wolverines have wound up on the short end of the stick every time.

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Carrie Brady and the Michigan soccer team are riding a team-record five-game win streak. The Wolverines host conference foes Wisconsin and Northwestern this weekend, starting with the Badgers at 3 p.m today.

"We have played Wisconsin five times, twice in the playoffs, and we have never beaten them," Michigan coach Debbie Belkin said. "We have tied them once and came close a few times, but we have never won."

Nevertheless, the Wolverines are optimistic. Despite Michigan's lackluster history against the Badgers, the Wolverines were in high spirits at yesterday's practice, eagerly awaiting today's first contest. Ranked 15th in the country and having home field advantage, the Wolverines are the likely favorites this time around, riding a team-record five-game winning streak.

For once, it appears the shoe is on the other foot.

"We are taking it easy," freshman goalie Carissa Stewart said. "We feel real strong and confident right now and we are looking forward to this weekend's games.

"Wisconsin and Northwestern are some of the better teams we are going to face this year, but we're just as good and we know we can get the job done."

After facing the Badgers today, the Wolverines will have their hands full with Northwestern (0-2 Big Ten, 4-3 overall) at 2 p.m. at Michigan Soccer Field. Northwestern has had difficulty beating Big Ten teams, though, succumbing to Minnesota and Penn State

Michigan has had good luck with Northwestern in the past, taming the Wildcats in two out of the three times they have faced each other.

The Wolverines are still riding high after their 4-1 romp of conference rival Ohio State last Saturday. The Wolverines crushed the Buckeyes, holding them scoreless until the final minutes of play last Sunday.

Sophomore phenom Amber Berendowsky is already setting records in her short tenure as a Wolverine. With her next goal or assist, Berendowsky will break her own single-season point record, which she set last year as a freshman with 19 points.

"This year she is more physical and more comfortable," Belkin said of her star player. "After being quiet as a freshman, she is communicating more."

Berendowsky has scored 19 points this season in eight games, twice as fast as she did last season.

09-26-97