Big Ten play opens with tough losses

In a Big Ten doubleheader this weekend at the Mellencamp Pavilion, the IU field hockey team dropped its first game against No. 7 ranked Michigan, 4-1. Three years removed from a national championship, Michigan dominated most of the game with its aggressive play by scoring the first three goals before IU had a chance to put one up on the board. \nThree minutes into the first half Michigan's Mary Fox pushed in a goal aided by Jessica Blake's assist. Soon after, with 11 minutes left in the first half, Michigan's Jill Civic completed one of two goals on the day, both assisted by Lori Hillman.\n"Our weakness was giving up too many penalty corners," IU coach Amy Robertson said. "It's our lack of experience and poise in not giving them that opportunity." \nIn the 51st minute of the game, Fox and Hillman hooked up again to lead Michigan to a 3-0 run against the No. 16 Hoosiers. Yet, four minutes later the Hoosiers found the back of the goal when sophomore Morgan Miller was assisted by freshman Meredith Brown. \nLess than a minute later, Michigan responded when Blake hit a shot past senior goaltender Katie Kanara. \n"Michigan's quick goal was a huge momentum changer," Miller said. "I can't tell you how frustrating that was." \nThe Hoosier attack was halted by the Wolverine defense, putting an end to any hopes of a comeback.\n"The second half hurt us because we only had one shot on goal," Robertson said. "We have to play with more confidence and step up next game against Iowa." \nSunday the Hoosiers fell to a tough Iowa team, failing to win either game in its Big Ten doubleheader debut. The 4-1 loss at the Mellencamp Pavilion drops IU to a 6-4 record on the year. \nIowa was the first to strike in the 31st minute as Margot McMahon led the charge with the first of her three goals on the day. \nIU was quick to retaliate when sophomore Lydia Schrott tied things up off an assist from juniors Lesley Wiler and Mallory Reabold in the 47th minute. \nHowever, the defense was unable to stop McMahon again as she delivered an unassisted shot through Kanara, who managed six saves despite the loss. \n"We just had a breakdown in communication and unfortunately we faced some extremely good shooters," junior Morgan Albini said. \nThe Hawkeyes' third goal came from Caroline Blaum in the 57th minute, while McMahon connected again in the 69th minute off a penalty shot. \n"We had to earn everything today," Robertson said. "Iowa played really hard and it took us 15 minutes in the first half to just to start playing." \nThe Hoosiers next match will take place Saturday at noon, as they travel to Bigler Field to face Penn State in State College, Pa. \n-- Contact staff writer Andrew Shaffer at asshaffe@indiana.edu.