Field hockey hits midway point in stride

JOSH KLEINBAUM/Daily The eighth-ranked Michigan field hockey team is flying high halfway through the season, as it has racked up eight wins in its first 10 games.

By Stephanie Offen
Daily Sports Writer

After completing half of its schedule, the Michigan field hockey team is on top of the polls and still climbing.

The eighth-ranked Wolverines are 10 games into their 1998 season, finishing the first half with a record of 8-2.

Michigan started their 1998 season in Australia, playing some of the best competition in the world.

"The trip put us in playing shape," Michigan assistant coach Peggy Storrar said. "Instead of running, the athletes were able to play their way into shape."

Along with the trip down under, the beginning of the season brought a No. 11 ranking to the Wolverines.The ranking rose after Michigan beat then tenth ranked Ball State.

"Ball State is in our region, and beating teams within the region will help you in the national rankings." Michigan assistant coach Tracy Fuchs said.

But the first Big Ten match-up for Michigan against Michigan State proved to be the best point so far in the season.

"Even though Michigan State is not ranked it's still an in-state rival," said Fuchs. "We were able to beat them in overtime, which was a good stepping stone for us in the Big Ten."

Along with the big wins, there were some players who stepped up and helped the Wolverines to those victories in the first half of the season.

Fuchs stated that one of the things the team was striving for this season was to give up very few goals, and so far that is being accomplished.

Kati Oakes, one of the Michigan goaltenders was named Big Ten defensive player of the week for two weeks in a row. She was the first Wolverine ever to accomplish that feat.

"This is Kati's first year starting and she has really solidified the defense," said Fuchs. "We also have a very experienced backfield of Ashley Reichenbach and Erica Widder, who are both juniors."

Fuchs also added that Reichenbach has been the player thats helped the team the most in the first half of the season.

"She has really helped the team, especially with communication," Fuchs said. "She has six defensive saves already this season."

But, looking back on the first half, Storrar sees things that still need improvement.

"We still need to improve on scoring goals," Storrar said. "That will always help."

Storrar added that the low point so far has been the loss to Maryland in overtime, who was ranked sixth.

"We outplayed them and we should have won." Storrar said. "They won on a controversial call."

Maryland and No.7 Boston College are the only teams that have defeated the Wolverines so far, but the Big Ten season will produce tougher competition.

"Four Big Ten teams are ranked in the top 20," Fuchs said. "The next few weeks are going to be the real test for us."

09-29-98