#12 Seed: Michigan 17
#6 Seed: Virginia 15
Teams |
First Half |
Second Half |
Total |
Michigan |
6 |
9 |
15 |
Virginia |
13 |
4 |
17 |
May 11, 2013
Colorado Springs, CO. – The Wolverines were looking to finish off their season with back-to-back wins at Nationals as they squared off against the 6th seeded Virginia Cavaliers. Both teams lost their first two games before winning the third to put them in the game deciding the 13th and 14th place finishes. This is the second year in a row the teams have met at Nationals; last year they met in the first round and the Wolverines walked away with the victory.
Although suffering from injury, seniors Jamee Jacobson (Chicago, IL./Lake Forest) and Rachel Stattler (Bloomfield Hills, MI./Sacred Heart) were determined to play in their final game, and help lead Michigan to a win. It was also the last game for fellow senior Claire Gadra (Syracuse, NY./Skaneateles) and graduate student Stephanie Gerretsen (Rancho Santa Fe, CA./Torrey Pines).
The Wolverines were the first to find the back of the net on a drive from junior Julianne Patterson (Rochester, NY./Victor). But their lead did not last as the Cavaliers responded with two goals to take a lead they would not let slip away. The closest the Wolverines came to regaining the lead was after they scored their second goal to tie the score at 2-2. Michigan struggled to get their offensive attack running and allowed Virginia to control time of possession in the first half. As a result, the Wolverines only managed to score 6 goals before halftime compared to Virginia’s 13.
Michigan’s offensive attack in the first half was led by Patterson who had 3 goals and 1 assist, followed by sophomore Katie Mezwa (Rochester Hills, MI./Sacred Heart) who added 2 goals.
Although Michigan struggled throughout the first half, they found their stride and dominated the second. The Wolverines managed to get as close as 2 goals a few times but the Cavaliers would manage to score again, restoring their 3-goal lead. Michigan greatly increased their intensity and effort in the second half, allowing them to control the time of possession, and winning them the majority of draws and groundballs.
The entire team contributed in the second half. Each player on both sides of the field had crucial moments of success, as well as overall play, which assisted in the Wolverines push to come back. It was just unfortunate that they were unable to make the complete comeback and win the game, before time expired.
This game was the conclusion to Michigan’s season. It was a great year and enjoyed by everyone involved. It took a total team effort to overcome all the highs and lows of the season but they managed to pull together and have a productive season.
Thank you to everyone involved for all of your support, it was greatly appreciated. Hope to see you next year.
GO BLUE!
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