2F - The Michigan Daily - New Student Edition - September 3, 1996 Lacrosse By Pranay Reddy -Daily Sports Writer Consistent - that's the only word to describe the play of the Michigan men's lacrosse team in the '90s. Unfortunately for the Wolverines (4-2 Big Ten, 15-5 overall), their trademark consistent play was nonexistent in the Big Ten champi- onships this year. Michigan failed to win an unprece- dented seventh-straight Big Ten champi- onship, losing to Wisconsin, 12-7, in the semifinals of the championships. Wisconsin won in an unusual year for looks to improve in Big Ten Men's soccer advances., to national semifinals the Big Ten - a team other than Michi- gan was considered the favorite heading into the championships. "(The Badgers) were at home, they were loaded, and they hadn't played (prior to the semifinal game)," Michigan coach Bob DiGiovanni said. "They were the obvious favorites." Regardless, the Wolverines were still the kings of the hill heading into the championships. That's exactly why many find this past season to be a com- plete failure. However, as a head coach, DiGiovanni understands the importance of perspective in these situations. "In terms of (the outcome), I'm dis- appointed," DiGiovanni said. "But I'm proud of what (we) did (this season)." And proud he should be, considering the level of competition the Wolverines faced this year. In its five losses, Michi- gan faced top-notch opponents, includ- ing the Motor City Lacrosse Club and Virginia Tech - one of the best lacrosse clubs in the country. The Wolverines started the season by beating Michigan State, 21-11. The highlight of Michigan's season followed as the squad headed south for its annual Spring Break trip. The Wolverines' first victory came against the Fort Lauderdale Lacrosse Club - former varsity lacrosse players from top Division I and III teams. Michigan completed the trip by sweeping Florida and Auburn. But the Wolverines weren't ready for what was waiting back home - the Motor City Lacrosse Club. Michigan dropped its first game of the season to the more experienced Motor City team, 16-13. With the Wolverines playing well, the team headed to West Lafayette for the Big Ten East Regionals. Michigan came away from the tournament with the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten championship. Next season looks promising for Michigan, with many young stars return- ing. The Wolverines will be counting on Tom Lall, Spencer Alstodt, Alex Cedro and the rest of the younger players to come back from this past season's dis- appointment and regain the Big Ten crown. 'i By James Goldstein Daily Sports Writer The pattern has been established. The Michigan men's soccer team went far one year, farther the next and even farther the year after. The Wolverines (15-5-7) have quali- fied for the National Collegiate Soccer Association's Club Championship Tour- nament the past three years. In 1993, Michigan qualified, but lost in the first round of the 16-team competition. In 1994, the Wolverines advanced to the quarterfinals before bowing out. Last November, they continued the trend by making it to the national tourna- ment semifinals before falling to eventu- al champion Weber State, 2-0. The finish was Michigan's best in its history. This year, as the pattern goes, the Wolverines should go to the finals. "Last year was a great building stone," goaltender Mike Millman said. "Of course we want to win the whole thing, but we definitely will try to build on (last year's performance)." In what Michigan Coach Steve Burns called "the most defining moment for the Michigan soccer club," the Wolve- ines defeated Southwestern Texas Stath, 2-1, in an overtime thriller. Trailing 1-0 late in the game, freshr Blake Novotny's goal tied the contest. e won it for the Wolverines in the second sudden-death overtime. Novotny is one of the sophomoresiho will need to step up to replace the 10 seniors. Michigan will especially miss forwards Rick WeinbergAndrew Cdsen- za and sweeper Ian Kurth. K "Last year's style was to work the ball around, kick it outside and knock it back in," Millman said. "This year, I do know what it will be like. It will prob take a few games to adjust." Michigan has only three home games. Its home debut is Sept. 12 against Madon- na University. The Washtenaw Cup'-the one game between the Wolverines ahd Eastern Michigan - is Oct. 17. a- mmmmm% i r custom t-shirts ink inc. w U 4 -WAe..W. wa"s"' ---- screen printing - embroidery " design r-Fr 1f0-; cpen Th 10-8 in season ISA E losed Mndays during winter 711 n. university * ann arbor 769-I I IS 'S- above moe sport shops elch I block W of Main - Ann Arbor 6559 3200 paagon Ia '6 SYNCHILLA CLASSICS he Synchilla Snap T-Neck has seen most of the known world. It could well be the ultimate multi- purpose utility garment. Now A available in prints or solids., University of Michigan /OP Naval ROTC offers Naval ROTC t ' IV, , j c iII.r - Opportunity to earn a three or two year full tuition scholarship, worth up to $60,000 at the University of Michigan. - Opportunity to become a commissioned officer in the Navy or Marine Corps. - Extensive leadership training - Summertime training and travel opportunities. - A well paying, extremely challenging job upon graduation. For more information, contact LT Jeff Noordyk at (313) 747-4578 or visit North Hall on the Central Campus. t...:- 6 VcaZ( t~ia 803 N. Main Ann Arbor 761-9200 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:00-6:00m m I Hours Mon.-St. 10:0-6:00 If you can wear it, drink from it, or sleep on it, and it has an "M" on it, you'll find it at Michigan Book & Supply. MOMMOMMI.- hstI h ,t 0 ,ICe'a T \-- 4- 04 F. There's an entire floor filled with great looking MICHIGAN insignia items, like: * T-shirts " Sweatshirts * Sweatpants * Shorts * Hats and a complete line of: " Muss * Glassware * Blankets * Accessories & lots more! fin adult, children and infant sizes toot! 1 r i m AlLiA hiuq-! I