Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Michigan
Defense Keys Indiana Win Over the Wolverines
10/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 12, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Hoosiers used a strong defensive showing and a big second half, to record their first Big Ten win of the season on Sunday. The Hoosiers got second half goals from juniors Meg O'Connell and Alina Valenti en route to a 2-1 win over the rival Michigan Wolverines.
The Wolverines came into the game at 2-0 in the Big Ten, defeating the Buckeyes of Ohio State in their last contest. That hot streak continued in the game's first half as they took a 1-0 lead into the half on an early Meredith Way goal.
The Hoosier defense was stout after the early goal. Led by key plays from sophomore Mutsa Mutembwa and junior Lucy Ireland, the Hoosiers held the Michigan scoreless or the game's final 71:05.
Indiana got on the board when O'Connell scored off a penalty corner in the 53rd minute. The ball was sent in and stopped by Mutembwa, then sent toward the goal by senior Danitra Castro. O'Connell's deflection beat Michigan keeper Paige Pickett to knot the game at 1-1. O'Connell has seven goals on the season.
Valenti's goal came on an exciting play, with sophomore Katie Griswold taking a fast break all the way to the end line on the left of the cage. Griswold sent the ball back to Valenti in front of the goal, where the Lehighton, Pa. product put it home. The goal was Valenti's third of the season.
In the closing minutes, with Michigan possessing the ball inside the Hoosier's circle, Ireland came up with a big intercept to start an Indiana fast break that nearly ended in another goal by Valenti and ran out the clock for the IU victory.
Head coach Amy Robertson was very pleased with her team's performance in the game.
"Our three goals coming into the game were to communicate, to have good effort and attitude, to control the controllable, and to never give up. I think the turn around for us was in our constant communication. Our defense showed grit and determination. The goal for our defense was to communicate more on the field, and they nailed that today," Robertson said.
The Hoosiers are back in action on Friday, Oct. 17, when they host the Miami Redhawks at 3 p.m. ET.
For complete coverage of IU Field Hockey, stay tuned to www.IUHoosiers.com.
