'M' stickers ranked after disappointing losses

With its 3-0 loss to No. 8 James Madison on Sunday, the Michigan field hockey team fell to 3-3 on the season.

Despite its record, the team was ranked No. 12 in the first STX/NFHCA Coaches Poll of the season released yesterday. The high ranking can be attributed mostly to a difficult early-season schedule in which the Wolverines faced four teams ranked in the top 20.

All three of Michigan's losses have come against opponents currently ranked in the top 10. The Wolverines' one victory against a top 20 opponent came at No. 13 Ball State on Sept. 1.

"Anytime you play really good teams, it only makes you better for the rest of the season," assistant coach Tracey Fuchs said. "We came across two very different styles of teams this weekend. One was really, really fast and skilled, and the other was

DANA LINNANE/Daily Ashley Thomas and the Michigan field hockey team have struggled through a difficult early-season schedule, and their record sits even at 3-3.

really aggressive and bumped us off of the ball."

Four other Big Ten teams were also ranked in the top 15, including No. 1 Penn State. And since only one team from the Big Ten can advance to the NCAA tournament, the Wolverines know that they will have their work cut out for them this season.

"The Big Ten is a real strong conference," junior midfielder Regan Wulfsberg said. "Every team is a good team. Every game is very important, especially if we want to get into the (NCAA) Tournament."

The Wolverines know that they are better than their record shows, and hope to show that in their game this weekend.

"We had a pretty upsetting weekend," sophomore forward Laura Stinson said, "but we played well against Virginia, and I think we'll be ready for (Syracuse). We need to go hard to every single ball, and really try to outwork our opponent."

The Wolverines also know that it is important that they play well against Syracuse and build some momentum for the Big Ten season, starting next Wednesday with No. 11 Michigan State.

"Hopefully we can turn it around and get a good win on Sunday and see if we have improved the things that we have been working on this week," Fuchs said.

Fab Freshmen: During the last few weeks, Michigan's highly touted freshman class has lived up to its billing, accounting for nearly a fourth of the team's points this season. The freshman have been led by Jessica Rose, whose eight points put her among the top scorers on the team.

"We have a small team, and they've really stepped up and done what they needed to do." sophomore goalkeeper Maureen Tasch said. "Everybody is fulfilling their role on the team, and the freshmen are part of it."

The Wolverines also know that it is important for the freshman to gain experience both to prepare them for big games this season and for the future.

"It's still an adjustment, and they are still learning," Fuchs said. "All four of them are seeing action, not maybe full games, but they are getting some good quality minutes. Hopefully by the end of the season, they'll be feeling like sophomores."

09-15-99