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1/21/06-
Two More Ranked Opponents, Two More
Tough Defeats
Cheryl’s Crew headed
off to Columbus having lost their first four Big Ten games of the
2005-06 campaign. Waiting for them in their scarlet and grey finery
were the Buckeye women, ranked #8 in the country. If Michigan was to
gain their first conference win of the season, it would take a
mighty performance for an entire 40 minutes.
The game started off slowly as far as scoring, and it was not until
almost four minutes into the opening half that Ohio State managed to
tally the first points of the contest. Katie Dierdorf got the
Wolverines their first points, then Ta’Shia Walker, Ashley Jones,
and Janelle Cooper gave Michigan an 8-7 lead. Stephany Skrba and
Dierdorf combined to push the Michigan advantage to 14-9 with less
than seven minutes to go in the half.
Just as an upset appeared to be brewing, Ohio State went on a run
that ended with them ahead 23-16 at halftime. Michigan shot only 21
percent from the field compared to 41 percent for the Bucks, and
Michigan also turned the ball over 12 times.
Dierdorf got Michigan to within five points early in the second
half, then it was lights out for the Wolverines as Ohio State went
on a 17-2 run to double up Michigan at 40-20. On the road, against a
Top Ten team, it was too much for the young Wolverines to bounce
back from and so they made their way back to Ann Arbor with a 62-34
loss.
Dierdorf was Michigan’s top scorer with 10, followed closely by
Skrba with nine. Skrba led in rebounds with seven and in steals with
two, Jessica Minnfield in assists with four, and Dierdorf had her
team’s lone blocked shot.
Some team stats that stand out as factors…Michigan shot just 25
percent from the field as opposed to 49 percent for tOSU. Michigan
had more turnovers and fewer rebounds. All of these things add up to
the difference between victory and defeat.
Back at home on January 19, Michigan prepared to face yet another
nationally ranked Big Ten opponent. This time it would be the #16
Gophers of Minnesota. Minnesota came to Ann Arbor with a roster
featuring no less than six seniors, while Michigan has all
sophomores and frosh. So once again, Cheryl’s Crew faced a very
difficult task.
As was the case at Ohio State, Michigan was able to rise to the
challenge at least for a while. Dierdorf recorded the first points
of the game, and along with Minnfield she gave her team an early
10-8 advantage. Unfortunately, the Wolverines then went on a five
minute scoring drought which allowed Minnesota to take the lead
away. The Michigan defense had trouble stopping Minnesota, so
although Michigan shot 61 percent in the opening half they trailed
by 13 (42-29) heading to the break.
The second half was more of the same, in fact it was almost exactly
the same in terms of scoring as Minnesota tallied 43 to 28 for
Michigan. In the end it added up to another painful setback for the
Wolverine women as Minnesota won 85-57.
Turnovers were a big problem for Michigan as they had 23 to only 11
for the Gophers. Minnesota also outrebounded Michigan, and although
Michigan’s shooting was much improved over other recent games (50
percent overall from the field, 38 percent from three point range)
the Michigan defense was unable to stop Minnesota’s attack as the
Gophers shot 54 percent overall and 47 percent from three point
land.
Katie Dierdorf and Janelle Cooper tied for the scoring lead with 12
each and Ta’Shia Walker added 11. Top rebounder was Ashley Jones
with six. Krista Clement was tops in assists with five and had two
steals. Dierdorf led in blocked shots with four.
It is clear to me that the Michigan women are working hard and
giving it their best effort. It is painful to see them struggle, but
out of the struggle will eventually come success. It is difficult
for a team of all sophomores and frosh to compete with more
experienced teams, especially in a top conference like the Big Ten.
Nevertheless, I remain confident that the coaches and players will
find a way to get this season turned around and build something
positive for the future.
The next four games look to be the most favorable for Michigan, as
they play the other teams in the bottom half of the league
standings. Next up is a trip to Bloomington to play the Indiana
Hoosiers, followed by home games against Northwestern and Wisconsin.
Then comes an away game against Penn State, once a Big Ten power but
now just as shorthanded and inexperienced as Michigan. The
Wolverines need to keep working hard, focus, and get a winning
streak going. This will give them needed confidence which could well
result in some upsets down the stretch when they play the better Big
Ten teams again.
Vince Prygoski
prygoski@umflint.edu
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Vince Prygoski, is the Women's
basketball columnist for UMGoBlue.com. He's been a fan of Michigan
sports for as long as he can remember.
He has written a book on the history of Michigan women's
basketball that will be published soon.
Full Bio
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