Field hockey needs extra stanza to stick it to Spartans

Gannon's overtime goal gives Michigan solid Big Ten start

The defending Big Ten champs usually have a common problem. Every team jealous of the success is gunning in order to get it. The Michigan women's field hockey team - defending Big Ten champs - is faced with this problem.

"I think that now each team is going to play their 'A' game or try to bring their 'A' game, and we're going to have to be up for everybody," coach Marcia Pankratz said.

Michigan opened the Big Ten season with a 2-1 overtime win against in-state-rival Michigan State. The eighth-ranked Wolverines hosted the game at Ocker Field. Michigan put its 6-2 record on the line against unranked (2-4) but inspired Spartans.

"It doesn't matter what the records are," Pankratz said. "The teams really come to play. Michigan State is a very excitable team. They're emotional, especially when they play a game like that they're supposed to be right in it. So it doesn't matter

FILE PHOTO Michigan opened its Big Ten season with a 2-1 overtime victory over Michigan State.

what it is on paper. It's always a battle. I think it'll be indicative of the Big Ten conference. Every game is going to be nip and tuck."

The Wolverines started out strong by scoring early in the first half on a Loveita Wilkinson goal. Wilkinson, a senior, scored on a corner shot that went right in.

This was one of many opportunities for the Wolverines, who controlled the ball for a majority of the game. Michigan couldn't cash in on all of the opportunities as the score remained 1-0 with 14 minutes left in the second half.

"If we are struggling in scoring like we were today then it's going to be a long season," Pankratz said. "Where we'll have to fight and scrape each match to win it."

Michigan State came back with a goal of its own by freshman Marleen Tuip. Michigan returned with more ball control to finish out the game, but kept missing numerous breakaway and corner shots.

The game went into overtime tied and neither team was able to sustain constant pressure on their opponent's goal. Then sophomore Kelli Gannon scored for the Wolverines with 3:40 to go in the sudden-death overtime.

Michigan State is "very emotional," Pankratz said. "So they come to always try and knock us off as we do them. Whoever can get the

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