Maize and Blue Capture 3rd with Win Over Florida - Finish 2nd in Rankings.
The #3 seed University of Michigan women's lacrosse team took 3rd place in the USL-WDIA National Championships with a 10-8 victory over the University of Florida on Saturday, May 15 at the Anheuser Busch Centre in St. Louis, Missouri in front of 127 fans. In a game that eight lead changes and seven ties, the Wolverines pulled it out in the final minutes on back-to-back goals from freshman attacker Noelle Frazier (Richmond Heights/Hathaway Brown) along with eight saves from the tournament defensive MVP, junior goaltender Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel), and a team-high four groundballs and an excellent defensive effort from sophomore defender Liza Baer-Kahn (Winchester, Mass./Winchester). With the victory, the 22-3 Wolverines finished the season with their highest national finish ever to go along with the most wins in team history.
After Florida grabbed an early 1-0 lead at 24:53, Michigan would answer with two of their own less than a minute later on goals from senior captain Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn) and sophomore midfielder Karen Anderson (Needham,Mass./Needham). Friend's goal at 24:25 came after sophomore attacker Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Schreiber) fed a cutting Friend in front who buried the shot to tie the game at 1-1. The Wolverines grabbed the lead just 11 seconds later at 24:14 on another feed in front from senior captain Kate Finkenstaedt (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Grosse Pointe South).
Florida wouldn't back down however, and notched two goals of their own midway through the first half to eventually reclaim a 4-3 lead. Zwirn scored Michigan's third goal in the game to tie the game at 3-3 before Florida would answer at 9:32 in the first half.
The see-saw battle would continue in the first half, with Michigan notching three unanswered goals between 8:24 and 6:50 from Baer-Kahn, Zwirn's second of the game, followed by Finkenstaedt's first of two goals.
Leading 6-4 with under four minutes left in the half, the Wolverines had hoped to go into the half with a two goal lead. Florida thought otherwise - notching three unanswered of their own from 3:16-1:03 before Michigan would tie the game at 7-7 with :31 left in the first half on a penetration goal from Finkenstaedt - her second of the game.
In the second half, both teams traded possessions for the first 12 minutes before U-M would grab the lead on a goal from midfielder Jackie Day (South Salem, N.Y.) as the junior broke in on the right-hand side and buried a high shot to bring the score to 8-7 in favor of Michigan.
Just as they had all day, Florida responded three minutes later at 14:06 after Michigan was called for off-sides. The Wolverines vehemently argued the call, as five Michigan players will on the defensive side of the off-sides line when the call was made. Not letting the call get to them however, the Wolverines would grab the lead for good as freshman Noelle Frazier, the team's second leading scorer in the regular season, scored two, nearly identical goals at 12:47 and 10:20 of the second half to give Michigan the 10-8 lead. On Frazier's goals, the freshman attacker cut across the mouth of the goal from the left side, and on each play, shot across the grain back to the left, over the goaltender's right shoulder.
With 10 minutes remaining, the Wolverines buckled down and played excellent defense in front of goalie Jackie Fu and held on to win 10-8 to earn 3rd place in the National Championship tournament. With the conclusion of the Wolverine's season, please continue to visit this site for all of your up-to-date Michigan women's lacrosse news, including information on summer camps involving Michigan staff and players.
Wolverines Fall to Cal-Poly in Semi's
The #3 seed Michigan women's lacrosse team dropped a 8-7 decision to the #2 seed Cal Poly on Friday, May 14 in front of 246 fans at the Anheuser-Busch Centre in St. Louis, Missouri. Trailing by two goals at the end of the first half, the Wolverines once again staged a valiant comeback, eventually taking the lead. Unlike yesterday however, the Maize and Blue were never able to secure a sizable lead and lost to the three-time defending champion in the semi-finals for the second straight year.
The Wolverines appeared to come out of the gates sluggish just as they had in their previous game vs. UCSB, and fell behind 2-0 after just five minutes of play, and 3-1 midway through the first half. Sophomore attacker Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Schreiber) once again jump-started the Michigan attack, leading the Wolverines in goals for the second consecutive day at the tournament, notching the Wolverines first two goals and pacing the squad with three overall. Her first goal brought the score to 2-1 in favor of Cal-Poly at the 24:20 mark of the first, after penetrating the defense, and releasing a high shot just over the Cal-Poly's goaltender's right shoulder. Her second goal would once again draw the Wolverines within one at 3-2 with 12:40 left in the first half. A pass inside found Zwirn on the doorstep and she buried a low shot that found its way just inside the near post.
Cal-Poly would answer however, extending the lead to two once again at 4-2 with just under nine minutes left in the first frame. The two teams would then trade possessions for the next eight minutes until a beautiful set-up from sophomore midfielder Clair McTaggert (Greenwich, Ct./Greenwich Academy) found sophomore midfielder Karen Anderson (Needham,Mass./Needham) breaking on the right side. Anderson beat the Cal-Poly goaltender with a low, hard shot to draw the Wolverines within one goal at 4-3 with just seconds left in the half. Cal-Poly's half wasn't over however, as the Mustangs would score just 10 seconds later with only 29 seconds left to extend the lead to two once again at 5-3 entering the locker-rooms for halftime.
For the second straight game, Michigan would come charging out in the second half, notching three unanswered goals in the first 23 minutes of the half to grab a 6-5 lead, on goals from junior midfielder Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights), McTaggert and Zwirn's third of the game. All three goals would come on free-position shots, deep in the offensive zone. During that span, Michigan held the Cal-Poly attack scoreless for over 25 minutes due in large part to the play of sophomore defender Liza Baer-Kahn (Winchester, Mass./Winchester), sophomore midfielder Molly Colgan (Lyme, N.H./Hanover) and junior defender Laura Petrash (Birmingham, Mich./Seaholm) who each recorded three groundballs on the day. The Wolverines also relied on another excellent game by junior goaltender Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) who only recorded eight saves, but made a number of key stops on quality Mustang chances.
Trailing 6-5 with just under five minutes left in the contest, Cal-Poly would net three unanswered goals of their own in the waning minutes at 4:40, 2:44, and 2:00 to regain the lead at 8-6. Michigan would answer with just over a minute remaining on a goal from Baer-Kahn at 1:23 to draw within one but would be unable to find the back of the net again in the final, hectic minute of play, losing to Cal-Poly by the slimmest of margins, 8-7.
The Wolverines will play in what appears to be the best consolation game of the tournament vs. Florida on Saturday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Anheuser Busch Centre in St. Louis, Missouri. Michigan dropped a 6-5 decision early this year to Florida in the South of the Border Tournament in Chaphill, N.C.
Quotes from U-M Head Coach Mary Ann Meltzer
On the game itself: "Once again we took too long to get going in the game, but unlike yesterday we weren't able to get the victory. The defense played an amazing game and Jackie (Fu) made the some incredible saves to keep us in it throughout."
On the difference in the game: "Unlike yesterday we weren't able to win the one-on-one battles and penetrate to the goal. They played some great defense with a three man zone. We knew what they were going to do coming in but we just couldn't execute like we would have liked."
On the season overall: "Overall this was a great season. Obviously we're disappointed with the outcome today but this the best Michigan team we've had yet. We're still very young and very hungry and if everyone returns we should have a pretty strong squad next year. We'll refocus for tomorrow's game against Florida and try to finish on a strong note."
Maize and Blue Advance to Semi's in USL-WDIA National Championships
The #3 seed Michigan women's lacrosse team netted five goals in the final 15 minutes of the game to defeat the 6th seeded University of California-Santa Barbara Gauchos in front of 127 fans in a constant rain at the Anheuser Busch Centre in St. Louis, Missouri on Thursday, May 13. With the victory the Wolverines will move on to the semi-final round on Friday, May 14, squaring off against the #2 seed, Cal Poly at 1:00 p.m.
In a torrential downpour that would eventually cause the teams to leave the field for one-half of an hour midway through the second half, Michigan came out sluggish with UCSB netting four of the first five goals and holding a 4-1 lead half-way through the first half of play. Goals from midfielder Clair McTaggert (Greenwich, Ct./Greenwich Academy) and attacker Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Schreiber) under two minutes apart at 14:26 and 12:58 helped Michigan to get back in the game and slowed the Gaucho momentum. McTaggert scored her goal on a free-position blast from eight yards out at the top of zone while Zwirn's goal came on a shot just in front of the net after the sophomore was pushed into the crease by a UCSB defender. After the officials discussed the play, the goal was eventually awarded to the Wolverines and Michigan was able to close the gap to 4-3 in favor of Santa Barbara. The teams would trade two more goals before the end of the half, with UCSB leading 6-5 entering the locker-room.
The Gauchos came out firing again to begin play in the second half and netted the first goal of second frame on a shot that just trickled past junior goaltender Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) inside the far post giving the Gauchos another two-goal lead at 7-5. Michigan would answer under a minute later however on the second goal from Karen Anderson (Needham,Mass./Needham) after she received a pass from junior midfielder Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights) who streaked down the left side of the field.
After another UCSB goal at the 21:35 mark of the second half made the score 8-6 in favor of the Gauchos, U-M would answer with back-to-back goals from Danielle Zwirn including a penetration goal that required Zwirn to dodge four defenders on her way into the front of the net before firing a low shot that found its way just inside the near-side post to draw the game for the first time at 8-8.
UCSB couldn't be held down for long however, and two goals just over a minute apart at 19:50 and 18:47 gave the Gaucho's a two goal lead once again at 10-8. As the game wore on the weather worsened and with roughly 15 minutes remaining in the second half the teams were forced to leave the field after a lightening bolt was seen on the horizon. After a 30-minute break in action the teams returned to the field as the Wolverines used the time off to re-focus and plan their come-back strategy.
Roughly a minute into the renewed play the Wolverines got a goal from junior midfielder Jackie Day (South Salem, N.Y.) to cut the Gaucho lead in half and followed with a free-position blast from McTaggert that tied the game at 10-10 with 11:39 left in the contest.
UCSB re-gained the lead just over 30 seconds later at 11:01 on a free-position shot of their own. With just under seven minutes left in the contest however, Michigan would tie the game once again at 11-11 on a beautiful shot from sophomore Liza Baer-Kahn (Winchester, Mass./Winchester) who cut across the face off the goal, dodging two defenders and let go a low shot against the grain the beat the Gaucho's goaltender just inside the far post.
The two teams would trade possessions for the next four minutes until the Maize and Blue would grab the lead for the first time in the game at 2:04 on the game-winning goal from McTaggert. McTaggert streaked down the middle of the field after receiving a pass from Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn) who carried the ball into the zone. McTaggert fired a low shot that found its way through the Guacho's goaltender's legs. Michigan would then add an insurance goal from Zwirn with just over a minute remaining in the game. Zwirn led the Wolverines with four goals in the game. Baer-Kahn scooped up three groundballs for the team lead. Goaltender Jackie Fu finished with 17 saves in the contest tying a season high and falling just one shy of her career-high - 18, recorded last season vs. Cal Poly (Feb. 15).
The Wolverines will square off against three-time defending champions, the #2 seed Cal-Poly on Friday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m. Michigan was defeated by Cal-Poly in last year's semi-final game by a score of 13-4. The game was moved up from 4:00 p.m. due to the rainy conditions that have forced all games to be played on the artificial turf fields at the Anheuser Busch Centre in St. Louis, Missouri.
Quotes from U-M Head Coach Mary Ann Meltzer
On the game itself: "I think we came out flat and it was pretty evident. Santa Barbara was out hustling us to every loose ball and it showed. I really think the break in the game helped us re-focus and get our bearings."
On the offensive side of the ball: "Danielle Zwirn played amazing, she was huge for us. She wasn't afraid of anyone. She was able to penetrate the defense all night."
On the defensive effort: "Liza (Baer-Kahn) really stepped up tonight for us. She was everywhere getting the loose balls for us and moving it up-field so we could start the attack.
Wolverines face UCSB/Texas winner in WDIA National Tournament
The 3rd seeded University of Michigan women's lacrosse team will face off against the winner of the University of California - Santa Barbara vs. Texas game in the quarter-finals of the WDIA National Championships at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 13 at the Anheuser Busch Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The contest between UCSB and Texas will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 13.
With a victory, Michigan will play in the semi-final round either at 2:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14. The championship game is set for Saturday, May 15 at 12:30 p.m.
Last season, the Maize and Blue won their first game of the tournament vs. Virginia Tech by a score of 18-10. In the semi-final match however, the Wolverines would lose 13-4 to eventual national champion Cal-Poly SLO - the men's lacrosse team's opponent in the first round of men's bracket this year.
Wolverines Capture Third Consecutive WCLL Championship
With victories over Ohio State (9-2) in the quarter-finals, Michigan State (12-4) in the semi-finals, and vs. Buffalo (6-3) in the WCLL Championship game, the Wolverines women's lacrosse team captured its third straight WCLL conference championship on Saturday, April 24 and will be headed to the WDIA National Tournament in St. Louis from May 13-15. With the three victories, the Wolverines improved to 21-2 overall, breaking the club record of 18 victories in a season.
In the day's first action, a quarterfinal win over Ohio State 9-2, midfielder Clair McTaggert (Greenwich, Ct./Greenwich Academy) and attacker Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Schreiber) each tallied three point games, as McTaggert tallied the hat trick, while Zwirn notched two goals along with one assist. Karen Anderson (Needham,Mass./Needham) also notched two goals on the day to bolster the Wolverines attack. In a game that saw Michigan dominate the middle of the field and turn it up with ease, McTaggert tied sophomore midfielder Molly Colgan (Lyme, N.H./Hanover) and junior defender Lauren Petrash (Birmingham, Mich./Seaholm) for the team high with three groundballs. Junior Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) recorded two saves in the game while allowing two goals.
In the semi-final game vs. intra-state rival Michigan State, the Wolverines were victorious once again, defeating the Spartans 12-4, led by Danielle Zwirn who notched a career-high five goals. Three other Wolverines had multi-goal games including Karen Anderson, Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights), and Noelle Frazier (Richmond Heights/Hathaway Brown) who each recorded two. Senior attacker Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn) led the Wolverines with two assists. Anderson led the Maize and Blue in groundballs while Jackie Fu recorded seven saves including a number of point-blank attempts from the Spartans.
In the WCLL Championship game vs. Buffalo, the Wolverines squeaked out one of their closes wins of the year, defeating Buffalo 6-3. Jane Friend and Danielle Zwirn both led the team in scoring with two goals apiece as Friend also added one assist. Karen Anderson and Molly Colgan notched the Wolverines other two goals. Noelle Frazier added one assist and led U-M with three groundballs. Jackie Fu made three saves in the contest keeping the Wolverines in the game in the second-half after Buffalo was able to tie the game at 3-3.
The Wolverines will have two weeks off before heading to St. Louis to play in the WDIA National Tournament vs. a yet to be determined opponent with U-M's first game to be played on Thursday, May 13 at 4:00 p.m. Check back soon for more details on the Wolverine's trip to St. Louis in their bid for their first-ever national championship.
Another Weekend, Another Sweep for Maize and Blue
The University of Michigan women's lacrosse team defeated three teams, Saturday, April 17, in Toledo, Ohio, blowing by Ohio State and John Carroll by scores of 13-4 and 16-3 respectively, and winning a relatively close game vs. Missouri, 9-3. With the three wins the Wolverines head into the WCLL playoffs with an 18-2 record.
In the first contest of the day, a 13-4 win over Ohio State, the Wolverines were led by Kate Finkenstaedt (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Grosse Pointe South) (3-0-3), Karen Anderson (Needham,Mass./Needham) (2-1-3), and Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn) (1-2-3) who each recorded three points on the day. Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Schreiber), Noelle Frazier (Richmond Heights/Hathaway Brown), and Jen O’Brien (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Grosse Pointe South) each tallied two goals on the day also. Lindsay Shuller (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore) and Anderson each recorded a team-high three groundballs on the day, while both goaltenders Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) and Alana Rubin (Worchester, Mass./Bancroft) each allowed two goals and recorded two saves.
Friend helped the Wolverines past John Carroll (16-3) notching a team-high four goals in the game, while midfielder Clair McTaggert (Greenwich, Ct./Greenwich Academy) recorded a hat trick, notching three goals in the contest. Both Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights) and freshman Mimi Kuehn (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) each tallied two goals of their own in the game. Jackie Fu recorded five saves in the contest while Rubin made a lone stop. Michelle Adebayo (Detroit, Mich./Sacred Heart) paced the Wolverines with four ground balls.
In the final contest of the day, a 9-3 win over Missouri, Alyson Gilbride provided the brunt of the Wolverine attack, notching three goals, while McTaggert and Anderson added two goals apiece. Jane Friend led the Wolverines with two assists in the contest. Both goaltenders played well, as the Wolverines recorded 12 total saves in the game and only three goals allowed. Rubin made eight stops, allowing one goal as Fu recorded four saves and one goal against.
The Wolverines will practice throughout the week in preparation for the WCLL playoffs taking place April 24 in Toledo, Ohio at the University of Toledo. Michigan receives a buy in the first round and will play the winner of Ohio State and St. Mary's at 11:00 a.m. With a win, Michigan will move on to face either Michigan State, Minnesota (Moorhead) or Illinois at 3:00 p.m. If Michigan were to remain victorious, the Wolverines would find themselves in the WCLL championship game at 4:30 p.m. Visit the WCLL Tournament Page for complete details.
Wolverines defeat Spartans in Intrastate Rivalry
The University of Michigan women's lacrosse team defeated rival Michigan State 12-5 on Wednesday, April 7, in Grosse Pointe South, Michigan, at Grosse Pointe South High School. The Wolverines improve their overall record to 15-2 with the victory.
Sophomore midfielder Karen Anderson (Needham,Mass./Needham) notched a career high six points with 3 goals and 3 assists while sophomore attacker Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Schreiber) added three goals of her own. Senior forward Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn), sophomore midfielder Clair McTaggert (Greenwich, Ct./Greenwich Academy), and junior midfielder Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights) each notched two goals apiece while freshman Noelle Frazier (Richmond Heights/Hathaway Brown) tallied two assists.
Both sophomore Michelle Adebayo (Detroit, Mich./Sacred Heart) and sophomore Liza Baer-Kahn (Winchester, Mass./Winchester) played excellent defensive lacrosse limiting Michigan State to only a handful of quality chances. Adebayo led the team with nine groundballs.
Junior Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) recorded 14 saves in the contest while allowing four goals. Alana Rubin (Worchester, Mass./Bancroft) did not register a save on the day but allowed one goal to be scored on her.
The Wolverines will take to the field again on Saturday, April 17 at the University of Toledo vs. Ohio State and John Carroll University.
U-M Beats Up on Regional Foes Grand Valley, Toledo
The University of Michigan women's lacrosse team dominated another weekend of lacrosse action, defeating Grand Valley State University by a score of 17-2 on Saturday morning, April 3, and then taking to the field again later in the day to earn a victory against the University of Toledo, winning by a score of 19-1. The Wolverines improved their overall record to 14-2, as Bowling Green forfeited their game vs. the Maize and Blue.
In the day's first action against Grand Valley, a number of Wolverines recorded two goal days including senior forward Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn), sophomore attacker Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Schreiber), sophomore midfielder Clair McTaggert (Greenwich, Ct./Greenwich Academy), junior midfielder Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights), sophomore midfielder Jen O’Brien (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Grosse Pointe South) and sophomore defenseman Liza Baer-Kahn (Winchester, Mass./Winchester) who tallied a game-high four points with two goals and two assists. Sophomore Molly Colgan (Lyme, N.H./Hanover) led the Wolverines with five ground balls in the contest while Alana Rubin (Worchester, Mass./Bancroft) recorded the lone save of the game.
Versus Toledo Alyson Gilbride paced the squad with five points (2-3-5), while Jane Friend notched four goals and Danielle Zwirn added three of her own. Claire McTaggert also scored three points in the game with two goals and an assist. Baer-Kahn led the Wolverines with two shots on goal. Rubin led the Wolverines with two saves while junior Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) made a lone stop.
Michigan will play again Wednesday, April 7, at Grosse Pointe South High School vs. Michigan State University at 7:00 p.m.
Wolverines Fall Goal Short of Perfect Weekend
The University of Michigan women’s lacrosse team won three more games over the weekend of March 27-28 to improve their overall record to 11-2, with wins over Virginia Tech, George Washington, James Madison and a nail-biting 7-6 loss to Navy.
In the weekend’s first contest, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, the Wolverines defeated a pesky Virginia Tech team 15-8 with nine combined goals from sophomore midfielder Clair McTaggert (Greenwich, Ct./Greenwich Academy) (5 goals) and senior forward Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn) (4 goals). McTaggert’s five goals are a high career high in both goals in a game and points in a game. This five-point outing bests a three-point game earlier this season vs. Indiana on March 6. Friend also tied a career high with four goals in the contest.
Liza Baer Kahn also tied career highs in points with a solid all-around performance vs. VT, registering 2-1-3 totals and also scooping up a team-high four groundballs. Both sophomore Michelle Adebayo (Detroit, Mich./Sacred Heart) and junior midfielder Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights) also recorded four groundballs, while Gilbride added a goal and an assist. Sophomore attacker Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Schreiber) also added a goal and an assist to round out the games’ multi-point scorers.
Jackie Fu made a season-high 11 saves in the contest to help keep the Wolverines in the game throughout, allowing the Wolverines to build a semi-comfortable lead.
In Saturday’s later action at 1:30, Michigan blew by George Washington University to a tune of 16-4 with the Wolverines using a reworked squad that saw sophomore midfielder Jen O’Brien’s (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Grosse Pointe South) seven point effort (5-2-7), and freshman midfielder Suzanne Younger’s (Skaker Heights, Oh./Shaker Heights) five point game (3-2-5) both mark career highs.
Freshman Mimi Kuehn (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) scored three goals and added an assist for four points after coming off a six-point outing vs. Oakland two weeks ago on March 13. Jane Friend also added two goals in the contest. Defensive sophomore Sandra Shargabian (Rochester Hills, Mich./Sacred Heart) helped set up the Wolverine attack with a team-high four groundballs. Shargabian’s four groundballs also set a career high. Another Michigan goaltender set a season high as Alana Rubin (Worchester, Mass./Bancroft) recorded 10 saves in the contest.
Sunday's first game saw U-M defeat James Madison University 15-6, Michigan's second win over James Madison this season. Jane Friend notched three goals while Liza Baer-Kahn (Winchester, Mass./Winchester) tied a career-high three points with 2-1-3 totals while also gathering a team-high seven groundballs. Danielle Zwirn added two goals of her as did Suzanne Younger. Junior captain Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights) recorded a team-high eight draw controls. Both goaltenders saw action as Jackie Fu recorded seven saves, while Alana Rubin recorded six.
In the weekend's final action, Michigan squared off against fellow national power Navy, falling 7-6, in a see-saw battle that saw each team notch goals in the final minutes of the game delivering a fantastic finish. Claire McTaggert scored one of her team-high three goals with over a minute left to tie the game at 6-6. Just moments later however, in the final minute of the contest, Navy was able to strike again to grab the late lead. Jane Friend, freshman Noelle Frazier (Richmond Heights/Hathaway Brown), and Alyson Gilbride each added single goals.
The Michigan defense played an outstanding game keeping the Wolverines in the contest throughout and giving Michigan a chance to pull out a victory late in the game. Michelle Adabayo and sophomore Molly Colgan (Lyme, N.H./Hanover) found a way to contain two of the nation's best in Liza Holmes and Nicole Telesh in Michigan's most difficult test yet. Junior Lindsay Shuller (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore) and Liza Baer-Kahn led U-M with six groundballs. Jackie Fu made a season-high 17 saves in the contest.
The Wolverines play again Sunday, April 3 vs. Grand Valley, Bowling Green, and Toledo at Oakland University.
#3 Women’s Lax Dominates Again, Improve to 8-1
Ann Arbor, Mich. - For the fourth time in the young season the University of Michigan's women's lacrosse team defeated an opponent by at least 10 goals, beating the Oakland Grizzlies 19-0 in front of roughly 300 fans, Saturday, March 13 at the Oosterbaan Fieldhouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In the Wolverines' most dominating effort so far this season, freshman Noelle Frazier (Richmond Heights/Hathaway Brown) once again paced the Wolverines with a seven point afternoon (5-2-7), while also recording team-highs in shots on goal with 9, interceptions with 4, draw controls with 3, and no turnovers for an outstanding overall effort.
A number of other Wolverines recorded superb days, with freshman Mimi Kuehn (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) recorded a six-point game scoring four goals along with tallying two assists, after setting a career high two-goal game last week vs. Ball State (March 6). Kuehn also recorded five shots on goal. Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn) notched a four point game with 2-2-4 totals, coming off a five-point effort last week vs. BYU.
Two Wolverines lead the team with four groundballs apiece, with sophomore Michelle Adebayo (Detroit, Mich./Sacred Heart) and junior Erica Hinz (Danbury, Ct./Danbury) helping U-M gain possession.
For the fourth game in a row, Michigan's Alana Rubin (Worchester, Mass./Bancroft) and junior Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) split halves with Rubin leading the way with three saves.
Michigan will travel to Annapolis, Maryland in two weeks, on March 27 and 28 to face off against a number of national powers on the Navy Campus.
Women’s Lax Sweeps Tournament, Grabs Three Wins
Ann Arbor, Mich. – The University of Michigan women’s lacrosse team won all three of their games in their annual home tournament, Saturday, March 6, defeating Indiana 11-2, beating Illinois 14-2, and wrapping up the tournament with a 16-0 win over Ball State. The Wolverines jumped out early in each of their three contests and never looked back. The Wolverines are now 7-1 and have won five games in a row.
In the day’s opening action in a 11-2 victory over Indiana, Michigan was led by sophomore attacker Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Schreiber) and junior midfielder Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights) who both tallied three goals, while sophomore midfielder Clair McTaggert (Greenwich, Ct./Greenwich Academy) finished with two assists for 1-2-3 totals. McTaggert’s three points are a career high, besting a two point outing versus Clemson last season. Both sophomore Michelle Adebayo (Detroit, Mich./Sacred Heart) and sophomore Liza Baer-Kahn (Winchester, Mass/Winchester) recorded a team-high three ground balls. Junior Alana Rubin (Worchester, Mass./Bancroft) and junior Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) split halves with Rubin leading the way with four saves.
In Michigan’s second contest of the day, a 14-2 win over Illinois, the Wolverines were led by freshman forward Noelle Frazier (Richmond Heights/Hathaway Brown) who tallied three goals, while Clair McTaggert, senior forward Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn), and Danielle Zwirn each notched two goals in the victory. Adebayo and Baer-Kahn led the way again in ground balls with five and four respectively. Both goalies saw action in the game with the two splitting halves. Alana Rubin and Jackie Fu each recorded four saves.
In the day’s final contest, a 16-0 win over Ball State, Jane Friend notched a five-point outing, finishing with 3-2-5 totals. Zwirn, Gilbride and freshman attacker Mimi Kuehn (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) each tallied two goals for the Wolverines with Kate Finkenstaedt (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Grosse Pointe South) and Jen O’Brien (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Grosse Pointe South) each notching two assists as Finkenstaedt also added a goal. Once again, the two goalies split time with Rubin making the lone Wolverine save of the game.
Michigan will play again next weekend, on Saturday, March 13 vs. Oakland at 5:00 p.m. at the Oosterbaan Fieldhouse in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Wolverines Grab Four of Five in Weekend Action During Early-Season Tournament.
The University of Michigan women's lacrosse team captured two victories Saturday (Feb. 14) vs. Duke University 9-4, and Penn State University 11-3, and two more wins Sunday (Feb 15) vs. Auburn 13-3 and vs. James Madison 8-3 in the South of the Border tournament taking place at Chaphill Hill, N.C..
In the victory over Duke junior forward Alyson Gilbride (Cleveland, Ohio/Shaker Heights) tallied a goal and two assist while sophomore midfielder Clair McTaggert (Greenwich, CT./Greenwich Academy) netted two goals. Junior goaltender Jackie Fu (Holmdel, N.J./Holmdel) made three saves in the win.
In the contest vs. Penn State University, freshman attacker Noelle Frazier (Richmond Heights, Ohio/Hathaway Brown) notched four goals and one assist while senior forward Jane Friend (Annapolis, MD./Severn) recorded a three-point day with a goal and two assists. Fu recorded seven saves while junior Alana Rubin (Worchester, Mass./Bancroft) made two saves in relief.
In the day's final action, U-M fell in a close match with Florida, 6-5. Frazier and Gilbride both netted two goals apiece in the loss while Jackie Fu stopped seven shots.
On Sunday, the Wolverines first faced off against Auburn, defeating the Tigers 13-3. High scorers were junior captain Kate Finkenstaedt (Grosse Pointe, Mich./Grosse Point South) with 4-1-5 totals and Noelle Frazier who notched with three goals. Alana Rubin recorded four saves in the contest.
In Michigan's second game of the day, the Wolverines squared off against James Madison, winning 8-3. Junior attacker Danielle Zwirn (Port Washington, N.Y./Paul D. Shreiber), sophomore midfielder Karen Anderson (Needham, Mass./Needham), and sophomore defenseman Liza Baer-Kahn (Winchester, Mass./Winchester) each notched two goals in the game. Fu made three saves in the victory.
2004 Underway
The Lady Wolverines enter the 2004 season looking to improve on its most successful season in school history. The Wolverines finished 2003 with a 18-4 record (a school-record for wins), as the WCLL Champions (for the third consecutive year), and fourth in the WDIA National Tournament (the highest national finish in school history). With all but three starters from that team returning, Michigan has realistic goals of improving on that national finish. Add to the mix seven newcomers for 2004, and Michigan appears to be poised to make a run at the elite teams in the nation.
Captains Announced
The Captains for the 2003-2004 teams have been announced. Kate Finkenstaedt, Jane Friend, and Alyson Gilbride have been named as tri-captains as voted by their teammates. Last season, Friend was a 1st team All-American after totalling 29 goals and 25 assists for 54 points, while Gilbride scored 46 goals and tallied 16 assists for a total of 62 points and 2nd Team All-American honors.
GO BLUE!
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