That much better

1-0 score not as close as it sounds

EAST LANSING - Once again, intensity and pressure were the keys to victory for the No. 12 Michigan field hockey team, as it dominated in-state rival No. 11 Michigan State on the road yesterday night in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

While the 1-0 score may not have reflected Michigan's dominance of the game, the Wolverines held the Spartans to just one shot all night, forcing play into Michigan State's half of the field for the majority of the game.

A Kelli Gannon goal with a little more than seven minutes remaining in the game provided the margin of victory.

DAVID ROCHKIND/Daily Jessie Veith didn't score here, but her teammate, Kelli Gannon, fired home a penalty corner with seven minutes left to give Michigan the win. Despite the close score, Michigan State could have shot 100 percent and still not have been assured of victory. Michigan's defenders held the Spartans to just one shot.

"This is one the best games we've played," Michigan coach Marcia Pankratz said. "All of our players played really well."

After their disappointing weekend two weeks ago, losing to James Madison and Virginia, the Wolverines reset their focus on being more aggressive to the ball and pursuing the play relentlessly.

That focus was clearly in full force against Michigan State yesterday night, as Michigan took the play to the Spartans at both ends of the field, especially during the second half.

Michigan State was unable to advance the ball past midfield for almost the entire half and didn't get the ball into scoring position until the last minute of the game.

"We were on every ball," sophomore forward Jessie Veith said. "We beat them to every ball, and that's how we won the game. We just stuck it out and finished."

09-23-99