Wolverines lose scrimmage to division I opponent

Date: February 11, 2012

Site: Ann Arbor, MI (Oosterbaan Field House)

Score: Michigan 14, University of Detroit Mercy 16

Next U-M Event: Sunday February 12, 2012 in Ann Arbor, against Indiana Tech, 4:00 pm

ANN ARBOR—The Wolverines took on Division I opponent University of Detroit Mercy this weekend to practice for the upcoming Santa Barbara Shootout. They played a rocky first half in which the Titans doubled the number of Michigan goals. But they came back in the second half and almost succeeded in making a comeback.

Detroit Mercy was up by four before sophomore Julianne Patterson puts Michigan on the board with a free position goal. Senior Ani Shekerjian followed suit with two goals of her own. But the Titans managed to continue scoring and ended the half 12-6.

"The first half was a little rough and we were trying to just understand what was going on, understand how they played and how we could adjust to their play," said senior captain Kelsey Martin.

The Wolverines came back in the second half familiar with Detroit Mercy's style on the field and that gave them confidence.

"We won the second half," said Martin. "We hustled to the ball — we won the draws and it was a much better half."

Coincidentally, in the second half the Wolverines scored twice as many goals as their opponent. But they fell short in their bid for the upset.

"I think it intimidated us a little," said coach Kasey Hughes. "They played the way Division I should be playing."

By the end of the game, Michigan felt like they had lost the battle, but won the war. They feel prepared for the Santa Barbara Shootout, less than a week ahead. The weekend scrimmage was just practice for the Wolverines and they feel ready.

Box Score:

Game's Scoring Leaders:

Wolverine Scoring Plays:

Julianne Patterson free position goal, 12:53 into the first half, 4-1 Detroit Mercy

Alaina Mezwa goal with an assist by Claire Gadra, 16:36 into the first half, 7-2 Detroit Mercy

Ani Shekerjian goal with an assist by Maddie Palmer, 18:20 into the first half, 7-3 Detroit Mercy

Brittany McCormach unassisted goal, 25:49 into the first half, 9-4 Detroit Mercy

Maddie Palmer free position goal, 28:12 into the first half, 11-5 Detroit Mercy

Ani Shekerjian free position goal, 28:40 into the first half, 11-6 Detroit Mercy

Ani Sherkerjian free position goal, 2:03 into the second half, 12-7 Detroit Mercy

Katie Mezwa goal with an assist by Carly King, 10:58 into the second half, 14-8 Detroit Mercy

Katie Mezwa free position goal, 13:44 into the second half, 14-9 Detroit Mercy

Ani Shekerjian unassisted goal, 16:30 into the second half, 14-10 Detroit Mercy

Julianne Patterson free position goal, 20:10 into the second half, 14-11 Detroit Mercy

Katie Mezwa goal with an assist by Carly King, 26:15 into the second half, 15-12 Detroit Mercy

Julianne Patterson unassisted goal, 29:13 into the second half, 15-13 Detroit Mercy

Rachel Stattler goal with an assist by Katie Mezwa, 29:59 into the second half, 16-14 Detroit Mercy