Wolverines Use Fast Start in Neutral-Site Victory over Albany

Saturday, September 18

Ithaca. N.Y.

1:00 PM

Michigan

(5-0, 0-0)

Albany

(3-5, 0-0)

Michigan

UALBANYF

Lora Clarke (Michigan Photography)

Wolverines Use Fast Start in Neutral-Site Victory over Albany

9/18/2021 4:19:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

By: Leah Howard

» No. 1 Michigan scored twice in the first quarter en route to a 4-1 win in neutral-site action against Albany.
» Lora Clarke posted two goals on a pair of first-half tips, while national leader Sofia Southam netted the game-winner just 2:13 into the game.
» U-M saw its shutout streak halted at three games; Anna Spieker posted four saves in goal.

Site: Ithaca, N.Y. (Dodson Field)
Score: #1 Michigan 4, Albany 1
Records: U-M (5-0), UA (3-5)
Next U-M Event: Sunday, Sept. 19 -- at Cornell (Ithaca, N.Y.), 11 a.m.

ITHACA, N.Y. -- The No. 1-ranked University of Michigan field hockey team used a fast start and controlling possession to stay perfect on the season with a 4-1 win against Albany in neutral-site action Saturday afternoon (Sept. 18) at Cornell's Dodson Field.

Sophomore Lora Clarke posted her first multi-goal game, scoring twice in the first half, to headline the Wolverine offense, while senior Sofia Southam -- the national leader in goals per game -- tallied a goal and an assist to add to her season totals.

Southam netted the Wolverines' first and game-winning goal just 2:13 into the contest after senior Tina D'Anjolell stole the ball off the press inside the Great Dane circle. D'Anjolell took it to the baseline, dribbled on goal and fed a crossing pass to Southam, who knocked it in. Southam has scored in all three of her appearances this season.

Clarke registered her first marker with a tip-in at the 8:00 mark on an initial shot from junior Nina Apoola. Albany (3-5) narrowed the score with a rebound goal late in the first quarter, at 13:43, but Michigan (5-0) got in back early in the second on Clarke's second goal at 18:25. The Wolverines capitalized on a flurry in front of the Albany cage. Freshman Abby Tamer put a shot on goal, and it kicked to Southam, who fired another shot on goal through traffic, and Clarke lunged for it and redirected it in. Clarke now has three goals this season.

The pace slowed in the second half, but Michigan tacked on one more for insurance as sophomore Kate McLaughlin posted a rebound goal at 39:36. Junior Sarah Pyrtek created the scoring chance with a rush into the circle, but the Great Dane goalkeeper stepped out of the cage to make the stop. The ball bounced to McLaughlin, who banged it in for her second of the season.

Michigan outshot the Great Danes 19-9 but trailed on penalty corners, 6-5. Senior goalkeeper Anna Spieker saw her shutout streak halted at three games but earned four saves for the win, while Albany's Hannah Mangan and Sheridan Messier combined for five stops on U-M's nine shots on goal.

The Wolverines will wrap their weekend road trip Sunday (Sept. 19), taking on host Cornell at 11 a.m. at Dodson Field. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.