'M' Soccer hopes to get defensive to get back into Big Ten race

Following a disappointing start to the Big Ten campaign, the Michigan women's soccer team is searching for answers. The Wolverines began the season with five straight victories, marking the best start in the history of the program.

They outscored their opponents 15-5 in the first five games. The winning streak vaulted the Wolverines to a top 10 ranking in the Soccer America poll.

But after dropping the first two Big Ten games of the season, the team is now forced to regroup.

Michigan lost its opening Big Ten game in gut-wrenching fashion, in a 1-0 double-overtime loss to Wisconsin.

More alarming, however, was the most recent defeat at the hands of Northwestern. The Michigan defense, which had surrendered five goals in the previous six games, was torched for four goals.

DANA LINNANE/Daily The Michigan soccer team will need more displays of tenaciousness similar to this one in order to come back from an 0-2 Big Ten start.

With three days of practice before their next game, the players are looking forward to a spirited week of practice.

The practice will be "hard, with a lot of intensity and working on lots of different things," freshman fullback Alissa Shaw said.

Defense will clearly be the focus, as coach Debbie Belkin looks to correct mistakes that surfaced in the Northwestern game. The players expect to be working mostly on the defensive aspects of soccer. Players will be drilled on marking their opponent, covering each other, and reacting quicker to attacks. The Wolverines feel they must improve as they advance into the Big Ten conference season.

"We all must play better defense. we cannot afford any mental lapses," freshman midfielder Laurie Peterson said.

Improving their defensive play will be crucial for the Wolverines, who possess a much-heralded offensive attack. Led by Jessica Limauro and Amber Berendowsky, the Wolverines have no problem scoring goals. When able to hold down opponents, the team is usually victorious.

Despite the two losses, the team remains extremely confident. The players fully believe their problems are correctable and that the team will rebound.

"We just need to get back into the swing of things," freshman Becky Kozlick said. "If we continue to play hard, we should be fine."

Much will depend on the next three days of practice. The team is committed to regaining its winning ways. The Wolverines possess a talented squad that is blessed with experience.

With a few defensive improvements, Big Ten success may still be in the cards for the 1998 team.

Last year, the Wolverines posted an 18-4-1 record, including a 10-1-1 mark in the conference.

When asked if this year's squad could post similar numbers, Kozlick responded without hesitation.

"Definitely," Kozlick said.

09-22-98