Stingy Stewart steps on foes' opportunities

Goaltender Carissa Stewart was a key factor in a 1-0-1 weekend for the Michigan soccer team.

Stewart allowed just one goal in two games, helping the Wolverines salvage a 0-0 double overtime tie with Penn State yesterday, just two days after knocking off Ohio State on the road, 2-1.

Stewart registered her second shutout of the season against the Nittany Lions.

Michigan (1-0-1 Big Ten, 4-2-1 overall) tied Penn State (0-0-1, 3-2-1) for the third consecutive year in the regular season.

The teams battled to a 1-1 tie last year in Ann Arbor, after playing to a scoreless tie in State College in 1997. The Wolverines have a 2-4-3 all-time record against the Nittany Lions.

Freshman Abby Crumpton - Michigan's leader in goals with four - and senior Emily Schmitt continue to provide a large amount of the Wolverines' offense.

Each had three shots against Penn State, despite failing to punch one home.

Stewart registered her second shutout of the season.

Penn State, last year's Big Ten champions, came into the match having lost a 1-0 decision to No. 4 Florida on Friday, and upsetting previously No. 1 North Carolina earlier this season.

On Friday, the Wolverines opened Big Ten play with a 2-1 victory over Ohio State (0-1, 4-2-1) in Columbus. Crumpton netted both goals for the Wolverines in their fifth consecutive win over the Buckeyes.

Crumpton scored her first goal in the 16th minute on a thigh volley. Schmitt assisted the goal on a cross.

Freshman Lindsay Eckles tied the game for the Buckeyes off of a pass from sophomore Elisa Hamilton. It was Eckles' sixth goal of the season.

Schmidt started the play on Michigan's second goal as well, sending a corner kick into the center of the box. After two saves by Ohio State goalie Amber Barnes, Crumpton punched in the rebound.

Michigan outshot Ohio State 18-12 in the contest. It was the sixth consecutive game the Wolverines had outshot their opponent.

09-20-99