Michigan
Michigan State (ex)
Wolverines Shut Out MSU in Exhibition Play
8/22/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Phyllis Ocker Field)
Score: Michigan 2, Michigan State 0 (exhibition)
Next U-M Match: Saturday, Aug. 29 -- vs. North Carolina - ACC/Big Ten Challenge (Ocker Field), 2 p.m.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan field hockey team used a controlling, commanding effort to shut out in-state rival Michigan State, 2-0, in its lone preseason exhibition game on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 22) at Phyllis Ocker Field.
U-M dominated possession throughout the contest, outshooting the Spartans, 18-4, and outcornering them, 9-2. The Wolverines held MSU without a shot on goal.
Michigan netted both of its goals from the field in the first half. Sophomore midfielder Veerle Lubbers broke through with an unassisted rebound marker at the 16:30 mark, corralling the ball in front of the cage and knocking it past MSU goalkeeper Sierra Patton. Junior/sophomore Casie Ammerman set up the scrum in front, carrying the ball into the circle from the left sideline and putting the initial shot on goal.
The Wolverines took advantage of another flurry in front of the MSU cage to extend their lead less than 10 minutes later, at the 24:44 mark. With Michigan shorthanded, freshman Lydia Sydnor dribbled the ball into the circle from the left side and, with an MSU defender taking her off her feet, sent a reverse shot to the opposite side of the cage.
Michigan maintained its momentum through the second half, drawing three corners in the opening 10 minutes of the frame and another late with time expired while continuing to control ball possession.
The Spartans' best opportunities came on two early penalty corners in the first half -- their shot was blocked on their first corner opportunity, while they failed to get a shot off on the second -- and a shot just missed wide left early in the second frame.
The Wolverines will officially open the 2015 season, its 43rd of intercollegiate play, on Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 29-30) at the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Phyllis Ocker Field. U-M will face North Carolina at 2 p.m. on Saturday before returning the following day for 2 p.m. contest with Wake Forest.
Game Summary
| By Periods | 1 | 2 | F |
| Michigan State | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Michigan | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Scoring, Time (Assist)
1st -- U-M, Veerle Lubbers, 16:30 (unassisted)
1st -- U-M, Lydia Sydnor, 24:44 (unassisted)
Shots: U-M 18, MSU 4
Saves: U-M 0 (Sam Swenson, Chris Lueb), MSU 9 (Sierra Patton)
Defensive Saves: None
Penalty Corners: U-M 9, MSU 2
