Weekly Release #12 (Host NCAA First/Second Rounds)
11/6/2007 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Upcoming Schedule
Sat-Sun., Nov. 10-11 -- host NCAA First/Second Round (Campus Sites)
Fri-Sun., Nov. 16-18 -- at NCAA Championship (College Park, Md.)
This Week's Lineup -- at NCAA First/Second Round
No. 6-ranked Michigan (15-6, 6-0 Big Ten) will host one of four NCAA first- and second-round sites for the 2007 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 10-11) at Phyllis Ocker Field in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines will open tournament play against Ohio (17-4) at 2 p.m. on Saturday while the other first-round match will pit No. 8 Michigan State (16-5) against No. 2 Wake Forest (14-5) at 11 a.m. The winners will advance to the second-round game, which is slated for a 2 p.m. start on Sunday.
NCAA Tournament Notes
The Road to the Final Four -- The Wolverines will compete in the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in program history -- and eighth time in nine years, earning an at-large bid after claiming the Big Ten regular-season trophy. Michigan is one of 16 teams vying for the national title, which will be decided next weekend in College Park, Md, on the campus of the University of Maryland.
The Host with the Most -- Michigan will serve as one of four NCAA first- and second-round host sites for the third time in program history. The last time the Wolverines hosted the regional -- in 2004 -- they just missed a repeat big the Final Four, falling to intrastate rival MSU 3-2 in the quarterfinal round. In Michigan's first stint as a host site, however, the Wolverines defeated North Carolina and Michigan State in the 2001 regional games en route to capturing their first NCAA Championship in program history.
Haven't We Met Before -- U-M played two of the three teams in the regional field this season, earning a close 2-1 overtime decision against Michigan State while losing to Wake Forest 3-2 at the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Senior Lucia Belassi(Paysandu, Uruguay/Liceo #1) netted the game-winning goal in East Lansing to propel the Wolverines to victory over MSU and put Michigan in the Big Ten driver's seat. The Demon Deacons' Kim Romansky proved a thorn in Michigan's side during the early-season matchup on the season-opening weekens, tallying a goal and an assist en route to the Wake victory.
Opening Weekend Success -- Michigan is 6-1 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and is 9-4 during the first weekend of NCAA Tournament play. U-M's only loss in the first round came in 2002 with a 4-3 setback against Princeton at State College, Pa., while two of the Wolverines' three quarterfinal losses have come in Michigan's last two NCAA Tournament appearances -- narrowly falling by 3-2 margins to Old Dominion in 2005 and Michigan State in 2004.
Last Time at the Regional -- U-M just narrowly squeezed past Boston University 4-3 in overtime in the 2005 first round despite outshooting the Tigers 24-14. The Wolverines rallied from a two-goal deficit at halftime as they scored three unanswered goals with Eleanor Martin ended the game 5:34 into the sudden-death period with just her first goal of the season. U-M fell just short in the quarterfinal match the following day when rival Old Dominion scored twice in the second half to beat the Wolverines 3-2.
A Nail-Biter Expected -- Fifteen of Michigan's 18 NCAA Tournament games have been decided by one goal -- including both of Michigan's 2005 contests -- with U-M sporting a 10-5 record in those contests. Six of the Wolverines' five first-round games have been decided by a single marker, while all six of U-M's quarterfinal matchups have been determined by a single goal.
Working Overtime -- The Wolverines are 5-1 in overtime games in the NCAA Tournament and have gone into an extra session in the first round on three occasions, posting a 3-2 win in double overtime against William & Mary in 2000, a 2-1 decsion against Pacific in 2004 and a 4-3 win over Boston University in the 2005 first round. U-M, which has advanced past the first round in six of its seven tournament appearances, has played in overtime three of its quarterfinal games.
Michigan vs. the NCAA Regional Field ...
Ohio: Michigan leads the all-time series with perfect Ohio 7-0 mark in the series, including a 6-0 mark at Ocker Field in Ann Arbor. In the last meeting between the programs -- on Sept. 12, 2003 -- the Wolverines scored three times in each half en route to a dominant 6-0 shutout victory. U-M has never met Ohio in NCAA Tournament action. For more information on Ohio, visit www.ohiobobcats.com.
Wake Forest: Michigan and Wake Forest have previously met 12 times in the history of the series with the Demon Deacons leading by a 10-2 margin. The Wolverines, who have lost 10 straight to Wake Forest, suffered a 3-2 defeat in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge earlier this season in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines fell behind early in the contest, and despite rallying in the second half, could not overcome the deficit. In NCAA Tournament competition, Michigan owns a 1-2 mark against WFU, beating the Demon Deacons 3-2 in double overtime in the 1999 quarterfinal round before falling to them in the 2000 quarterfinals (3-2 ot) and 2003 semifinals (1-0). For information on Wake Forest, visit www.wakeforestsports.com.
Michigan State: Michigan leads the all-time series with Michigan State 33-21-6, and U-M has won 13 of the last 15 meetings against the Spartans. Senior Lucia Belassi tallied the overtime game-winner to lead the Wolverines to a 2-1 victory over MSU this season in East Lansing. In NCAA Tournament action, U-M is 2-1 against the Spartans with a pair of narrow 2-1 victories (2001, '03) and a 3-2 defeat (2004) in the quarterfinal round. For more information on Michigan State field hockey, please visit www.msuspartans.com.
STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll
After splitting its two matches at the Big Ten Tournament last weekend, Michigan dropped one position -- to the No. 6 spot -- in the latest edition of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) poll of the top 20 teams in NCAA Division I, released on Tuesday (Nov. 6). The poll is available on the NFHCA's site.
STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll (11/6/07)
Rank, Team (1st-place votes) Record Points 1. North Carolina (38) 20-0 760 2. Wake Forest 14-5 697 3. Maryland 17-2 689 4. Connecticut 20-2 628 5. Iowa 17-3 615 6. MICHIGAN 15-6 561 7. James Madison 18-3 517 8. Michigan State 16-5 461 9. Penn State 13-7 436 10. Old Dominion 12-9 374 11. Boston University 17-5 357 12. Duke 11-8 299 13. Louisville 14-6 240 14. American 16-4 215 15. Ohio 17-4 197 16. Boston College 12-8 185 17. Princeton 13-4 156 18. Virginia 11-9 151 19. Albany 15-5 142
Wrapping Up the Big Ten Season
We Are the Champions -- The Wolverines captured the outright Big Ten Conference title with a 3-2 win over Northwestern in U-M's final conference game of the regular season (Oct. 21). Michigan has captured six Big Ten titles since it joined the conference in 1978 -- all of which have come in the last 10 years. The Wolverines captured the conference crown in 1997, 2000, '02, '03, '04 and '07.
The Sweep -- With its 6-0 conference mark, U-M ranked as the lone unbeaten team in regular-season league play. It marks the third occasion in eight seasons that Michigan has accomplished the impressive feat. Only one other program (Penn State, 2005) has produced an undefeated conference record for an entire season. The Wolverines also went a perfect 6-0 in Big Ten competition during the 2000 and 2002 campaigns.
Still a Champion in Our Book -- Michigan fell by a 4-1 margin to Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament final. It was the eighth time that U-M has advanced to the conference tournament final in the last 11 years. The Wolverines own a 4-4 record in those championship game appearances. Fifth-year senior Kristen Tiner(Houston, Texas/The Kinkaid School) and sophomore Paige Laytos(Lititz, Pa./Warwick HS) were selected as Michigan's representatives on the All-Tournament team.
Getting Offensive -- Senior captain Lucia Belassi claimed a share of the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honor after posting four goals, including two overtime game-winning tallies, and two assists in Big Ten play to share the second spot among the conference's leading scorers. Belassi has established new career highs in every offensive category this season, registering eight goals and 11 assists to lead the Wolverine team in scoring for the second straight year. She is the fifth different Wolverine player to garner the Big Ten offensive honor; Michigan has claimed the award in five of the last eight season.
Hail to the Chief -- U-M head coach Nancy Cox took home the Big Ten Coach of the Year award for the first time in her career after she guided Michigan to a 6-0 mark in the Big Ten en route to the school's fifth regular-season title and first under her guidance. Cox, who also captured a Big Ten Tournament title during her head coaching tenure, owns a career record of 13-5 in the Big Ten and already ranks third among the all-time winningest coaches in U-M program history with an overall mark of 60-23.
All-Conference Team -- Senior Lucia Belassi and sophomore Paige Laytos were selected to the All-Big Ten first team based on a vote of the conference coaches. It was Belassi's second-straight appearance on the all-conferecce first team and the first for Laytos, who earned second team honors in 2006. It also marked the ninth straight season that U-M boasted at least two members on on the all-Big Ten first team. Senior back Jillianne Whitfield(Costa Mesa, Calif./Newport Harbor HS) and junior/sophomore goalkeeper Paige Pickett(Dallas, Texas/Episcopal School of Dallas) were named to the second team.
Statistically Speaking -- Through the Big Ten Tournament, senior Lucia Belassi shares the seventh spot in goals (11) -- including three game-winners, which lists second among Big Ten players -- and is tied for the third position in total points (31). Belassi also shares the sixth spot -- with junior Michaela McDermott -- in assists (9), while senior Jillianne Whitfield ranks fourth in the conference with 10 helpers. Junior/sophomore goalkeeper Paige Pickett ranks third in saves (85) and shutouts (4). The latest standings and statistics from the Big Ten can be found by visiting the Big Ten's website.
News and Notes ...
Second-Half Heroics -- The Wolverines have gained the reputation as a second-half team in 2007 after rallying back from early deficits to claim victory in six contests. Michigan has outshot its opposition 163-109, and U-M outcornered its opponents 87-50 in the second half and held a pair of opponents -- Iowa and Penn State -- without a shot or corner opportunity in the second frame of their regular-season contests.
Keeping it Close -- Fourteen of the Wolverines' 21 games this season have been decided by just one goal. Michigan owns a 12-2 record in one-goal games and boasts a 6-1 mark in overtime games this season. The Wolverines defeated nearly every Big Ten team in extra time this season -- Iowa (3-2, Sept. 21), Ohio State (3-2, Sept. 28), Michigan State (2-1, Oct. 5), Indiana (1-0, Oct. 12) and Penn State (3-2, Nov. 1).
Having a Career Year -- Senior Lucia Belassi has boasted career-high totals in all offensive statistical categories this season, leading the Wolverines squad in goals and points with 11-9-31 totals. Belassi has upped her goal output in each of her collegiate seasons, scoring three as a freshman, seven as a sophomore and 10 as a junior (when she also led the Wolverines in goals and points). Belassi sits within striking distance of Michigan's top-10 in all three categories, needing four goals, four assists and eight points to reach the No. 10 positions.
Lending a Helping Hand -- In addition to Belassi, two other veteran Wolverine players have set new personal bests in assists this season. As primary figures in Michigan's penalty corner, senior Jillianne Whitfield(Costa Mesa, Calif./Newport Harbor HS) boasts a team-leading 10 helpers this season, and junior Michaela McDermott(Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights HS) owns nine. Whitfield entered the 2007 season with five previous helpers, while McDermott had just one prior assist.
You're a Super Star -- Seniors Lucia Belassi and Kristen Tiner(Houston, Texas/The Kinkaid School) have been selected to participate in the 2007 NFHCA Senior All-Star Game, scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov. 17, in College Park, Md. During the duo's combined tenure, Michigan owns a 74-33 record and has claimed three Big Ten regular-season titles and two Big Ten Tournament titles. The duo has earned five Academic All-Big Ten citations and contributed to back-to-back Rachael Townsend Community Service Awards. The U-M pair was named to the 38-player lineup, which boasts 10 representatives from the Big Ten Conference.
Iron Woman -- Senior captain Lucia Belassi has appeared in every game during her U-M career, as she currently boasts 89 total games played with 53 consecutive starts. With the Wolverines' two Big Ten Tournament contests, Belassi cracked Michigan's list of top-10 leaders in career games played and shares the ninth position with Courtney Reid (1997-2000). She needs just one more game to reach the eighth spot on the list, currently held by April Fronzoni (90, 2000-03).
U-M Career Games Played
| 1. | Stephanie Johnson (2000-03) | 95 |
| 2. | Jessica Rose (1999-2002) | 93 |
| 3. | Kristi Gannon (2000-03) | 91 |
| Molly Powers (1999-2002) | 91 | |
| Catherine Foreman (1998-2001) | 91 | |
| Katy Moyneur (2001-04) | 91 | |
| Adrienne Hortillosa (2001-04) | 91 | |
| 8. | April Fronzoni (2000-03) | 90 |
| 9. | Lucia Belassi (2004-pr.) | 89 |
| Courtney Reid (1997-2000) | 89 |
We're Going Streaking -- With California's upset victory over Michigan last Saturday (Oct. 27), the Wolverines' winning streak was halted at 11 games and spanned five weeks, dating back to U-M's road win at Louisville (Sept. 14). Over the 11-game stretch, Michigan outscored its opposition 31-14. Michigan's streak was its longest since winning 14 in a row during the heart of the 2002 campaign.
Free Hits -- With its perfect 6-0 record against Big Ten schools this season, Michigan improved its all-time conference mark to 98-114-9 (.464). The Wolverines are 39-9 against Big Ten competition since 2000 ... Nine different Wolverine players have scored at least one goal this season ... Each member of the 2007 senior class tallied a point in the Big Ten Tournament semifinal game against Penn State. Ashley Lennington and Kristen Tiner recorded goals, while Lucia Belassi and Jillianne Whitfield earned assists.
On the Horizon
If the Wolverines advance past the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament, they will travel to College Park, Md., for the 2007 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship, hosted by the University of Maryland. The semifinals are slated for Friday, Nov. 16, while the championship game will take place on Sunday, Nov. 18. All matches will be staged at Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex on the Maryland campus.
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
