No. 16 Field Hockey Set for Home Stand
September 12, 2007 | Field Hockey
Sept. 12, 2007
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The 16th-ranked University of Louisville field hockey returns to Trager Stadium for the beginning of a four-game home stand. The Cardinals will play Michigan Friday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. and Vermont on Sunday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m.
Friday's matchup features the 16th-ranked Cardinals (3-3) against No. 15 Michigan (2-4). Michigan holds a 6-1-1 lead in the series. Most recently, the Wolverines defeated the Cardinals 1-0 on Sept. 17, 2006 in Ann Arbor.
About Louisville
U of L (3-3) is coming off a 5-0 win over Missouri State on Saturday. In that game, Janelle Avila scored a pair of goals and added an assist. Freshman Nicole Youman, senior Allison Maffitt and sophomore Kayla May also scored while goalkeepers Marie-Claire Heller and Heather Bustanoby combined in the shutout effort.
Prior to that, the Cards were edged by 4-3 by fourth-ranked Iowa. Louisville built a 2-1 lead with junior Lauren Schaefer and Youman delivered two first half goals. Iowa tied the game and took the lead in a three minute span in the second half and also delivered an insurance goal. Freshman Julie Barton pulled the Cards within one with less than two minutes left. Louisville had a chance to tie the game on a penalty corner in the final seconds, but couldn't capitalize.
The Cardinals are led offensively by senior Allison Maffitt's seven points (3G, 1A). Seniors Janelle Avila and Missy Briery and freshman Nicole Youman are all tied for second with six points.
Scouting Michigan
The 15th-ranked Wolverines are 2-4 on the season, but the record is deceptive. All four of their losses have come against teams ranked in the top four. Michigan opened the season witha 3-1 loss to No. 3 North Carolina and fell 3-2 to No. 2 Wake Forest. Two-time defending national champion Maryland edged the Wolverines 3-2 in overtime. Michigan is coming off of a 3-1 loss to No. 3 Connecticut. Michigan defeated No. 9 Old Dominion 4-3.
The Wolverines are led offensively by Lucia Belassi's eight points (3G, 2A). Ashley Lennington follows with six points (3G).
Following Friday's game, Michigan will face Vermont on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Trager Stadium. U of L will play Vermont Sunday at 2 p.m.
Scouting Vermont
The Catamounts are 5-1 on the season and are receiving votes in the NFHCA coaches poll. Vermont opened the season on a five-game winning streak, including a 1-0 win over Big East Conference member No. 17 Providence. No. 14 Virginia recently handed the Catamounts their first loss of the season, a 2-1 decision. Vermont is beginning a five-game road trip that opens Thursday in New Hampshire where they will play Pacific in a neutral match and continues through the weekend at Louisville. Danielle Collins leads the team and is tied for most goals in the country with eight while goalkeeper Kristen Heavens ranks fourth in the nation with a 0.67 goals against average.
The teams have only met one other time, with Louisville coming away with a 6-2 win in the 2006 Champion's Challenge hosted by Duke.
