Week In Review

The midweek featured both soccer teams in action, with the men facing off against Cincinnati and the women against #18 Purdue, both on the road.

The men won 2-0, and even had some preplanned dancing by junior Jeff Quijano. Michigan defenders were definitely the bright spot. Cincinnati played very aggressively, putting a lot of pressure on the Michigan defensive end. Our defenders not only helped shut them out, but they also were integral in Michigan scoring. Not only did Quijano score, but Chase Tennant and Adam Keller also had an assist each. Solid day for the defenders.

The women lost at #18 Purdue 0-1 in West Lafayette. Purdue really set the tempo all game in this one. They controlled the ball and were in our box time and again. We played good defense when they were in there, but some of it sounded like Michigan was just getting lucky. Eventually Purdue got a ball in just before the half. From that point on, Purdue was playing the type of soccer that people generally hate – back to center, to back, to other back, to center, to back, repeat. No pushing the ball forward. They were content just to hold the ball, and it worked out well for them. When Michigan did get the ball, they looked solid in the offensive third, but they just couldn't get the ball into the net.

Coach Ryan thought things went well, even though we lost:

The girls, collectively, decided that they wanted to play soccer. It is something we have been working at, and they made the decision that they were going to support each other, communicate and keep possession of the ball. At the end of the day, they did a great job -- it was the best soccer I have seen since I got here. I want to give all the credit to the players. A coach can draw up the scheme, but it's the girls that are doing the job.

So there may be some silver lining in there.

X-Country

The women are participating in a non-scoring meet at Penn State today (Friday) at 11am. The course is a 6k, and it will be a preview of the BigTen meet later in the season. Michigan will send eight runners including MGoBlue's Wolverine to Watch Kaitlyn Paterson, a true freshman that holds Michigan's fastest 5k and 6k times this season.

Volleyball

Record (Ranks): 16-3, 4-2 BigTen (#11 AVCA Coaches Poll)

Games:

• Friday 7pm – vs. Penn State (ESPN2 Tape Delay)
• Saturday 7pm – vs. Ohio State

This weekend is going to an emotional one, no doubt. Michigan opens with Penn State, a team that hasn't lost since September 15, 2007. I'll hopefully have another post up today (Friday) to preview this game with a bit more depth. This game is already sold out, so don't plan on walking up to the door. Cliff Keene will be at absolute capacity. Paul couldn't even get media credentials.

No matter how that game ends, Michigan will have to turn around quickly, as much hated Ohio State comes to Cliff Keen Arena on Saturday. The Buckeyes enter at 14-5 overall, and 2-4 in BigTen play. OSU has fared well against most of their low to middle level competition, but they've been handled pretty easily by their higher ranked opponents. Their last two games came against Penn State and Minnesota, both top 10 level teams. OSU won only one set in the two matches, and it came against Penn State.

It'll be interesting to see how Michigan plays against OSU's Dozier. The middle blocker has a height advantage over most of the Michigan players (Fletch excluded), and has been a huge part of the Buckeye offense (2nd on the team in kills) and defense (.76 blocks per set).

If you can make it out Saturday, tickets are still left for this game. If Michigan somehow upsets PSU, those tickets might not be available just a few minutes after the win.

Also worth noting, Lexi Zimmerman is doing a CiL live chat today (Friday) at noon. Head over to MGoBlue and ask questions.

Tennis

Men:  Thursday to Monday, Wilson/ITA Midwest Regional, Ann Arbor, MI

The men's tennis team is hosting a major non-scoring regional this weekend. This will be the lone home series in the fall for the team, and it's a pretty big one. Nineteen other teams will descend on Ann Arbor, including five BigTen opponents. Jason Jung is expected to lead Michigan and improve on his #41 preseason ranking. He's already knocked off a top 10 opponent so far.

Field Hockey

Record (Ranks): 6-8, 2-1 in BigTen (35 in other receiving votes)

Games:

• Saturday 1pm @#19 Ohio State
• Sunday 1pm @Miami (NTM)

The tilt against the Buckeyes is big in the BigTen races. Both teams are currently tied for second place in the BigTen and the winner will be sitting pretty with only two conference games left. OSU is the best team in terms of scoring defense, allowing just 1.29 goals per game with 6 shutouts.

Miami (NTM) will also be a solid opponent. The RedHawks are just above .500 overall and 5-2 in the MAC. They are ranked 30th in the coaches poll in the other receiving vote category, 5 places ahead of Michigan. The RedHawks stats remind me a lot of Michigan's. They've got a definite leading scorer in Mary Hull (like our Bowery), but they've also got a pair as alternate shooters. None of their numbers are that overpowering, but they've won games they should.

Women's Soccer

Record (Ranks): 5-7-2, 0-2-2 BigTen

Games:

Sunday 2pm – vs #22 Indiana (BTN Tape Delay – Sunday 4pm)

The women look for their first conference win of the season after a positive showing on Wednesday. Michigan has two numbers working against it in this game. The Wolverines are 18-36-10 against ranked teams and 0-1-3 when televised. At least two of those wins against ranked teams have been Indiana. Hopefully we can take another.

Rowing

The women rowers are headed to Boston for the Head of the Charles event on Sunday. I was in Boston for this two years ago and it was awesome. There were "tailgaters" in the tents along the river with anything from chili to lobster. 

Updates

Updates will come up here if I'm around and have the time. I've got 5 or 6 games to umpire, so it could be slow if at all. If you make it out to something, leave a note in the comments. Lots of good stuff this week.