Soccer tries to crumble Big Ten rivals

Now is the chance for the Michigan women's soccer team to step up and announce itself. After dropping out of the national rankings early in the season, the Wolverines have regained their standing and moved to No. 22 in the NSCAA/Adidas national rankings.

After a scoreless tie with then fourth-ranked Penn State, Michigan finds itself tied for second in the ultra-competitive Big Ten. The lone team that sits ahead of the Wolverines - No. 15 Illinois - is Michigan's opponent today.

The game will pit two of the top three teams in the Great Lakes region against each other, and will determine who controls the Big Ten in the early season. It is a perfect chance for the Wolverines to firmly establish themselves as one of the nation

MICHELLE SWELNIS/Daily Emily Schmitt hopes to get around Ohio and California this weekend. She can also enjoy some snacks with the fans, which are being given away by Keebler.

's best teams.

So far, the Wolverines have been led by two players at the opposite ends of their careers. Upstart freshman Abby Crumpton leads Michigan in both goals (4) and points (9).

She is followed closely this season by senior Emily Schmitt, the team leader in assists. Each has taken nearly twice as many shots as any of their teammates, and have clearly established their place on the team as scorers.

Schmitt has been a key determinant for the Wolverines. In the four games in which she has recorded a point, the Wolverines are 4-0. In Michigan's other three games, it is 0-2-1. Schmitt has had to step up her game to account for the loss of senior Amber Berendowsky.

"We're a really gritty team," Michigan coach Debbie Belkin said. "When we're on, we play really good team defense."

Junior goalie Carissa Stewart has given Michigan a defensive edge, recording two shutouts and a 1.49 goals-against average.

Illinois, in only its third season of varsity play, has jumped to its best start and its first national ranking with a 7-1 record. The Fighting Illini are led by Emily Brown and Lisa Baldwin. The duo is first and second in goal scoring this year, and both are at the top of Illinois' all-time scoring list.

Illinois' defense has been outstanding as well, allowing only six goals in their eight matches while outshooting their opponents by more than double.

"We're going to get our opportunities," Belkin said. "What Illinois does best is play a very aggressive, high pressure game. We need to be able to withstand that pressure."

On Sunday, Michigan will battle Iowa in Ann Arbor. The Hawkeyes are also entering their third year of varsity status. They find themselves ranked seventh in the Great Lakes region, their first time cracking the rankings. The Hawkeyes' 4-3 record doesn't tell the whole story, as they suffered two close losses in double overtime.

The Hawkeyes have players amongst the leaders early in the Big Ten season, highlighted by points leader Sarah Lynch and saves leader Missy Wickart.

Michigan sports a 2-0 record against both Illinois and Iowa.

"If you are going to win the Big Ten you can't lose any games, otherwise you have to rely on someone else," Belkin said. "I think that every game is a must-win for any team in the Big Ten."

The Iowa game also marks the first Parents Day of the fall. The Michigan players' parents will be honored before the game.

Free food: Come to Friday's game to see the Wolverines take on the Illini. Even if you aren't the biggest soccer fan, come to get some free food from Keebler.

The snack company is sponsoring the game and will give free snacks to the first 500 people at the game.

09-24-99