Wolverines Unable to Overcome Slow Start against No. 4 Penn State

Sunday, September 25

Ann Arbor, Mich.

1:00 PM

Michigan

(7-2, 2-1B1G)

Penn State

(9-1, 2-1B1G)

Penn State

Michigan

Emma Way

Wolverines Unable to Overcome Slow Start against No. 4 Penn State

9/25/2016 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey

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By: Leah Howard

» Michigan gave up two goals in the opening 6:56 of the first half in a 3-1 loss against No. 4 Penn State -- U-M's first in Big Ten play this season.
» Emma Way netted the Wolverines' lone goal on a tip at the 60:51 mark.
» Michigan outshot the Nittany Lions, 18-10, including a 14-5 differential in the second half.

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Phyllis Ocker Field)
Score: #4 Penn State 3, #8 Michigan 1
Records: U-M (7-2, 2-1 Big Ten), PSU (9-1, 2-1 Big Ten)
Next U-M Match: Friday, Sept. 30 -- at Maryland (College Park, Md.), 6 p.m.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 8-ranked University of Michigan field hockey team could not overcome a slow start against No. 4 Penn State, giving up two goals in the opening seven minutes in a 3-1 loss on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 25) in front of 586 fans at Phyllis Ocker Field. The loss is U-M's first in Big Ten Conference play this season and halted its win streak at six games.

The Wolverines largely controlled the second half, outshooting the Nittany Lions, 14-5, and outcornering them, 6-4, in the fame, but they struggled to finish on several chances in the circle. Sophomore Emma Way finally broke through with tipped shot off junior Katie Trombetta's hard free hit from outside the circle at the 60:51 mark. But Penn State quickly reestablished its two-goal cushion with a penalty-corner conversion less than six minutes later, at 66:17.

The Nittany Lions set an early tone with two goals in the opening 6:56 of the first half and took advantage of some confusion in the U-M circle to net the game-winner just 36 seconds in when Brooke Birosik tipped in a crossing pass into an open net from the goalmouth -- her first of two goals in the contest. Penn State struck again six minutes later on the second effort after its first corner opportunity.

Michigan held an 18-10 advantage in shots -- Way and Trombetta combined for 12 shots, including six on goal -- while corners were even at 8-8. Junior goalkeeper Sam Swenson earned two saves, while Penn State's Jenny Rizzo posted nine.

The Wolverines will hit the road next weekend for a pair of away games against top-10 teams. U-M will face No. 6 Maryland at 6 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 30) in College Park, Maryland, before heading south to Chapel Hills, North Carolina, to face No. 3 North Carolina at 1 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 2).