IU faces Michigan in last game of season Saturday

IU field hockey goes into Ann Arbor, Mich., for a tough last regular season game and a crucial Big Ten game.

The No. 18 Hoosiers (11-5, 3-2) are fighting for a two seed in the Big Ten tournament and a spot in the 16-team NCAA tournament.

If Indiana wins against Michigan and Ohio State loses against Northwestern or ties, then Indiana would get the two seed in the Big Ten tournament.

Michigan (7-12, 2-3) has beaten the Hoosiers eight of the last 10 times they’ve played.

Last year, IU won 2-1 in Bloomington.

“We take every game seriously, and we want to make sure we perform our best,” junior defender Mutsa Mutembwa said.

Indiana is heading to Michigan with a four-game win streak .

“We’ve been playing well as a team by working together as a unit,” sophomore forward Corey Brautigam said.

Both teams’ styles are comparable to each other.

“Michigan plays a similar structure to us,” Mutembwa said.

Michigan’s attack is strong because of their forwards and midfielders.

“Michigan moves the ball well; they have good forwards that are scrappy up top,” IU field hockey coach Amy Robertson said.

The Wolverines are led by junior midfielder Meredith Way, who heads up the team with 16 goals on the season.

“It’s definitely one of our most important games because we are going into the Big Ten tournament,” Brautigam said.

IU plays Michigan at 1 p.m. Saturday.

“This game would give us momentum going into the Big Ten Tournament,” Robertson said.