Beitel, Blue blank Gophers at home

By Sam Duwe (RG, John Lowe, )

Daily Sports Writer

Some might call her a senior captain. Others might call her a prophet.

But whatever the case, Kacy Beitel had a good feeling leading the Michigan women's soccer team into battle Sunday.

"I woke up and I knew it was going to be a good day," she said.

With Beitel scoring the first goal, Michigan (4-4, 3-1 Big Ten) defeated Minnesota 4-0 in the chilly fall sunshine. In a way, it evened out the weekend that wasn't looking too hot, for the Wolverines or for the fans huddled together under a mass of blue ponchos.

On Friday, a mere 48 hours earlier, Michigan lost to Wisconsin, 1-0. In a sport where it's always hard to come from behind, the Badgers got the critical first goal 15 minutes into the rainy first half. Michigan outshot Wisconsin 24-8, but couldn't beat goalie Kelly Conway.

"I told the team that it wasn't like we just lost a game that we played horribly," coach Debbie Belkin-Rademacher said. "We just didn't finish the job. We couldn't put the icing on the cake."

Beitel, who contributed five shots, said, "I think we proved to them on the field that we were the better team. But it doesn't matter on the scoreboard when there aren't any goals."

Wisconsin was an important game for the Wolverines. Michigan, who was ranked 24th, lost a game they should have won, and left the soggy field with some things to think about.

But after a talking to by Rademacher, about being the aggressive team and scoring early and often, Beitel awoke with some good vibes Sunday.

And 13 minutes into the first half, after Beitel took the ball straight into the net, Minnesota's fate was sealed.

"We struck first and established ourselves early," Rademacher said.

Freshman Stephanie Chavez scored 30 minutes later, and sophomore Abby Crumpton and freshman Abby Tompkins added goals in the second half.

"We played strong all around," Rademacher said. "Amber Wilson played strong in the midfield. She's a physical presence but she also has a knack for scoring and getting in there."

And it's good, too, because both Wisconsin and Minnesota played rough and tough soccer.

"There were a lot of fouls out there, lots of twirling and banging," Beitel said.

Freshman goalie Suzie Grech had her third shutout in her stunning inagural year. Grech is sharing the net with senior Carrissa Stewart, who holds the Michigan career-saves record.

"We've been going Friday-Sunday, switching back and forth," Rademacher said. "They've both been training very well, and they're both solid. The goals that have been being scored on them are not goalie related."

Michigan travels to Iowa on Friday for the continuation of Big Ten action. The action could lead to victory, as long as Kacy Beitel wakes up on the right side of the bed.