Freshman goalkeeper Noelle Rother did everything she could to help the Hoosiers in their first Big Ten road game of the season. Her efforts weren’t enough, though, as the team fell to No. 16 Michigan, 2-1, snapping IU’s four-game win streak.
“She had a fantastic game and had some huge saves for us, and she made a couple great second saves which is really hard to do on the rebound,” IU Coach Amanda Janney said. “She’s just so quick and athletic and had a great game today.”
Michigan struck first as the Wolverines were rewarded a penalty stroke in the 25th minute. Fifth-year senior Mackenzie Ellis took the one-on-one shot from seven yards out and executed by smashing the ball into the left side of the net, past the diving Rother.
“Michigan took a shot and it hit our foot, but we thought it wasn’t going on cage, and it should have just been a corner,” Janney said. “It was a little disappointing to have a stroke called against us when we didn’t think the shot was on target.”
IU trailed 1-0 heading into the locker room due to the lone goal from Michigan and came out with a more aggressive attack to start the second half.
Two minutes into the half, senior Rachel Stauffer was shaken up after taking a hit inside the circle on an aggressive attack for the Hoosiers. The play resulted in the fourth penalty corner of the game for IU.
Sophomore forward Maddie Latino took the corner as usual for the Hoosiers. The ball was settled at the top of the circle by junior Mollie Getzfread and passed off the ball to junior Kate Barber who ripped a shot on net to tie the game, 1-1.
“On the straight shots a lot of the time, I go to the right,” Barber said. “It came in on our right side, so I went left with it and hoped for the best.”
Michigan, who hadn’t allowed a goal in two games, looked out of its element after IU tied the game up.
The Wolverines started to press on the Hoosier defense and took control of the game as they drew six penalty corners in the second half, compared to just two in the first.
“We gave up way too many corners, but we’re still proud of our team defense,” Janney said. “We gave up way too many shots today, but we’re still getting better and making improvements from previous games.”
Michigan finally broke the tie with 12 minutes remaining in the game.
After the Wolverines earned a penalty corner, the play looked to be busted as the initial corner pass was muffed. Michigan was still able to get the ball in the circle and senior Shannon Scavelli was able to come away and score out of the scrum in front of the diving Rother.
The Hoosiers pulled Rother with 4:20 remaining in the game to gain an extra attacker, but never saw a premium scoring opportunity.
IU will head back to the Great Lakes State on Friday when it takes on Michigan State (4-8) before heading home next Sunday to battle No. 2 Syracuse (11-0).
“Toward the end of the second half we had a lot of fight in us,” Barber said. “It wasn’t enough, but we put up a great fight.”
