Field hockey's fate sealed in tourney

LOUIS BROWN/Daily After falling to Penn State for the second consecutive year in the Big Ten tournament, the Michigan field hockey team must figure out a way to topple the Nittany Lions.

By Steven Kyritz
For The Daily

An old metaphor attested "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades," and while the wordsmith probably wasn't talking about the NCAA field hockey tournament, he might as well have been.

For the past two years, Michigan has excelled in the regular season and has advanced to the Big Ten championship, but received no bid to the NCAAs.

Penn State is most responsible for this shutout, ending Michigan's season by taking the Big Ten tournament title and the automatic bid that comes with it in both seasons.

One thing the Nittany Lions couldn't take away from Michigan is the success the Wolverines have experienced this year, both at the team and individual levels.

While Michigan failed to capture the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles, the Wolverines did shine throughout the season, finishing with a 15-6 record.

In fact, the team's play throughout the season was so consistent that midfielder Catherine Foreman would barely change her game plan.

"Maybe we could have put a bit more importance on early games against Big Ten teams," Foreman said. "But there's really very little I would change."

With the Wolverines not receiving a tournament bid, seniors Lindsay Babbitt, Erika Lorenson, Amy Philbrook and Loveita Wilkinson played their final games for Michigan, closing out productive careers.

The offense must replace Babbitt, whose nine assists tied for the team lead, and Philbrook, who paced the Wolverines with 12 goals.

At midfield, a huge hole exists with Wilkinson's departure. Not only did the senior tally six goals and 15 points, but she was Michigan's lone representative on the all-Big Ten first team.

On defense, Michigan will have to make up for the loss of leadership and experience that will come with the loss of Lorenson.

Losing the seniors "will definitely have a big effect, but it will also give others a chance to step up and fill their spots," Foreman said.

The Wolverines made great strides this season, due in part to an all-around team effort.

With the loss of so many talented seniors, this year could be a hard act to follow, but if recent history is any indication, the Wolverines shouldn't have too much trouble. Since coach Marcia Pankratz took over four years ago, the Michigan program has steadily improved.

Still, the question remains: What will happen if the Wolverines meet Penn State again in the Big Ten championship game?

"Hopefully, we'll get 'em," Foreman said. "We'll be fired up and ready."

11-12-98