Slow Start Dooms Wolverines against No. 11 Wake Forest

Sunday, August 30

Ann Arbor, Mich.

2:00 PM

Michigan

(0-2)

Wake Forest

(1-1)

Wake Forest

Michigan

Slow Start Dooms Wolverines against No. 11 Wake Forest

8/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey

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By: Leah Howard

» Wake Forest scored all three goals on first-half penalty corners, including two in the first 11 minutes of the game.
» Michigan led in shots, 14-2, and penalty corners, 8-0, in second half but could not convert.

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Phyllis Ocker Field)
Score: #11 Wake Forest 3, #14 Michigan 0
Records: U-M (0-2), WF (1-1)
Next U-M Event: Friday, Sept. 4 -- at Providence (Providence, R.I.), 7 p.m.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 14-ranked University of Michigan field hockey team was doomed by a sluggish start in its final game of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, falling to No. 11 Wake Forest, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 30) in front of 714 fans at Phyllis Ocker Field. Wake Forest scored all three of its goals on first-half penalty corners, including two in the opening 11 minutes of the game.

Michigan dominated the second half, outshooting the Demon Deacons, 14-2, and outcornering them, 8-0, in the frame but could not capitalize on numerous scoring chances. The Wolverines drew back-to-back corners early in the half but had both shots blocked in front and, moments later, could not convert during a barrage of four shots following another corner opportunity.

"We did not play well in the first half," said head coach Marcia Pankratz, "so that's an important lesson for next weekend. We really turned it around. I was really proud of how we came back and played in the second half. I hope they realize that we can play with anybody in the country. We just need to do it for 70 minutes."

The Demon Deacons netted their first two goals in quick succession in the first half to jump out to an early 2-0 lead. Jessy Silfer corralled the ball out of a scrum in front after their first corner opportunity and knocked it in near the left post at the 9:11 mark. Wake Forest converted on its second corner less than two minutes later, at 10:55, when Kali Vicars deflected Jess Newark's direct shot.

U-M remained on its heels for much of the first half, and Wake Forest added another penalty-corner goal late, at 28:32, on Madi Julius' tip goal from the right post. The Demon Deacons led in shots, 7-4, and penalty corners, 5-2, at halftime.

Senior back Lauren Thomas led the Wolverines with five shots, while junior/sophomore forward Carly Bennett and sophomore midfielder Katie Trombetta posted three shots apiece. Wake Forest goalkeeper Valerie Dahmen earned nine saves -- all in the second half. Sophomore goalkeeper Sam Swenson earned one stop in the U-M cage.

The Wolverines will hit the road next weekend, traveling east for a pair of non-conference matches. U-M will face Providence at 7 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 6) in Providence, Rhode Island, before wrapping the weekend with a noon slate against Fairfield on Sunday (Sept. 8) in Fairfield, Connecticut.