The Michigan Daily - Friday, February 15, 2002 -9 Grapplers rolling, poised to meet Hawkeyes By Rot Bhave Daily Sports Writer Last season, the then-No. 5 Michigan wrestling team took on a perennial championship contender in No. 3 Iowa in a landmark meet at Cliff Keen Arena. With wrestling fans in the sold-out gym creating a raucous atmosphere, the underdog Wolverines ambushed the Hawkeyes, 18-16. This year, the tables are turned. No. 3 IowA Michigan (4-1 Big Ten, 13-3 overall) is Who: No. 3 MicI the hunted. The Wolverines will travel Ten, 13-3 overal to Iowa City to take on No. 2 Iowa (4-1, (4-1,14-3) 14-3) in a critical Big Ten dual meet When: 8 p.m. today. Latest: Olson ar "As a team, it doesn't get any tougher attempt to rema than wrestling Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye since the Natior Arena," Michigan team captain Andy Hrovat said. Both teams feature lineups with nationally ranked wrestlers. The Hawkeyes have six wrestlers ranked in the top 10 of their respective weight classes, including No. iheavyweight Steve Mocco and No.1 149-pounder Mike Zadick. Michigan coach Joe McFarland boasts seven top 10 wrestlers in his lineup, including undefeated No. 1 Otto Olson in the 174 weight class and No. 2 Hrovat at 184 pounds. Last month, the Wolverines defeated the Hawkeyes 23-12 at the National Duals in Columbus. Michigan blew the meet open with five consecutive match wins. Since then, it can be argued that Michigan has #C hifi all) gain anal improved. After being whipped 22-10 by No. 1 Min- nesota to start their Big Ten season, the Wolverines have won four in a row. Last weekend's win over No. 4 Ohio State was an excellent display of Michigan's ability to win on the road. By striking early for a 7-0 lead, the Wolverines were able to take the spirit out of the home crowd and dominate. In a hostile atmosphere like Carver- AITY Hawkeye Arena, it will be even more an (4-1 Big imperative to get off to a good start. Well- at No. 2 Iowa versed in the intricacies of wrestling, Iowa's fans know how to squeeze favor- able referee decisions on borderline calls. Hrovat will "The crowd plays a large part in what undefeated the referee does," Olson said. The fans Duals. "understand the rules of wrestling, and will let the (referee) know if there is a borderline call." Since National Duals, Olson and Hrovat have gone undefeated with three major decisions, two technical falls and one pin combined. But Michigan cannot rely on those two alone. Against Minnesota, the Wolverines fell short despite strong performances from the two seniors because the team's lighter weights were swept. Because the meet could start at any weight class, the first few wrestlers must be prepared to seize the momentum of the match. If one aspect of the team has really improved since National Duals, it has been the performance of 149- pounder Mike Kulczycki and Foley Dowd at 133 pounds. "Foley Dowd and Mike Kulczycki have improved a lot and are more mentally prepared to wrestle against their opponents, Hrovat said. A candidate for an upset in this meet could be Michigan heavyweight Matt Brink. Injured for most of the year after being ranked in the top 10, Brink is beginning to find his form. With an opportunity to wrestle the nation's best in Iowa's Mocco, Brink can turn his season around. Making things even more dan- gerous for the favored Mocco is the fact that Brink has been able to keep every match close, even when he was hurt and overmatched. The best matchup of the meet will be Hrovat versus No. 5 Jessman Smith. With Hrovat having beaten Smith, 6-2, earlier this season, it appears that the Michigan captain has an advantage. Also, Smith plays into Hrovat's hands with his conventional method of attack. Smith, "does not have a crazy style where he has the potential to catch me in an unorthodox move" said Hrovat. "I have been studying film on him, and I know everything he will be doing. I think this favors me because I am so familiar with his style." After tonight's draining meet, the Wolverines must gear up for Wisconsin in Madison on Sunday. Although the Wolverines have directed most of their attention to Iowa this week, they have avoided letdowns after big meets thus far. "We make a habit out of competing hard-no matter who we wrestle,' said Olson. "Wisconsin should be no exception." BRENDAN O'DONNELL/Daily Michigan junior Kyle Smith, who holds a 23-9 overall record this season, will have to be at his best against the second-ranked Hawkeyes tonight. Softball opens season out West Hutchins hoping that Doe can fill hole created by loss of Taylor Plocki returns to alma mater, former mentor By Kyle O'Neill Daily Sports Writer Last year, Michigan's softball team opened its season in Califor- nia, posting a 2-4 record. The Wolverines ended up 43-17-1 and tied for seventh at the women's Pow College World Series. Who: No. 11 So much for the first Campbell/ C week determining how latest: TheV well a team plays in May. toreturn toes Today, No. 11 Michi- World Series, gan will open its 2002 biggestlossf season by traveling to MelissaTaylo the Campbell/Cartier Classic in Poway, Calif., where it will compete against five other teams over a three-day period. Even with the loss of three vital players from last year's team - out- fielder Melissa Taylor, shortstop Rebecca Tune and catcher Kim Bugel - Michigan returns a talent- ed nucleus. First-team All-America Kelsey Kollen leads the infield from second base and is joined on the right side of the infield by first baseman Stefanie Volpe, who earned third-team All-America hon- ors last season. In the outfield, the big hole left by Taylor (second-team All-America with a .455 batting average) is likely going to be filled by Meghan Doe, according to coach Carol Hutchins. "You can't replace a player like Taylor," Hutchins said. "We need someone to step up. The starters ____ who are All-Ameri- . WAY, CALIF. Michigan at the artier Classic W/olverines will attempt be women's College where they finished th last season. The rom last season is r, who batted .455. cans, you count on them to lead on the field and statistical- Doe is one of the players making a huge leap from last season. She will be moving from the ninth spot in the batting order to second in the lineup and will continue to start in center field. On the mound, there is no ques- tion who will be leading the rota- tion. Earning All-Big Ten honors last season with her 21-8 record and 1.06 E.R.A., junior Marissa Young will be the team's ace for another season. The only position on the pitching staff not yet set in stone is the No. 2 spot, which will either go to sophomore Meghan Ritter or freshman Nicole Motycka. And although both pitchers have done well during the offseason, Hutchins will give Motycka the nod to pitch the No. 2 slot this weekend. "Everything will be dictated by how well they do on the field," Hutchins said. "When we go out there to play, we'll know who's ready. (Motycka) throws the ball hard, and she's really an unknown for us right now." Calling the signs behind the plate will be Monica Schock and Lisa Mack, a converted outfielder who impressed Hutchins during training to earn a shot at the starting role. Also looking for playing time are freshmen Lauren Holland and Jen- nifer Keinbrink. The Wolverines will take on Loy- ola-Marymount and Pacific today, Cal-Santa Barbara and Utah State tomorrow and Pittsburgh on Sunday. No. 19 Pacific appears to be the biggest obstacle this weekend, as it has already defeated No. 5 Califor- nia and lost, 2-1, to No. 3 Stanford. The Tigers will send their ace to the mound to combat Young. Senior Cindy Ball recorded her 31st career shutout in Pacific's win over the Bears. Pacific "is a solid team and is the type of team we want to be playing," Hutchins said. "It's good for your power ranking, and they're a bona fide squad. We like to schedule By Matt Kramer Daily Sports Writer Michigan women's gymnastics coach Bev Plocki owes a lot to Linda Burdette. After Plocki decided sport and leave her school (Alabama) after to quit the BRAD QUINN/Daily Monica Shock may be Michigan's starting catcher this season. (teams like that) throughout the sea- son to get us ready for the Big Ten schedule." Overall, Hutchins is looking for her team to gel this weekend and show some consistency throughout the Classic. She is also hoping her team will not hold back anything and just go out on the field and play. And although she is always con- cerned with her team's health, Hutchins wants "a team with no fear." as we are g Two of t returned fr more Elis Chelsea Kr Ray is c and Kroll r an All-America fresh- WVU COLISEUM man season, it was Bur- Who:Michigan (3-0 Big dette, the 27-year head Ten,102) at west Virginia coach of West Virginia, (9-1) , who convinced Plocki When: 2p.m.t to enroll at West Vir- Latest Michiganhasn'tlost c ginia and get back into since its first meet of the I gymnastics. season onJan. 4 atthe Maui "I owe a lot to her," invitational. Plocki said. "It was Linda who before, but] called me and got me back involved get to help with the sport again and gave me was just o my second shot. Pittsburgh "I worked as a graduate assistant family wi for two years under her before com- Sunday. ing to Michigan. Without her, I "West V might have been out of gymnastics hour away many years ago." some of m Plocki will bring her sixth-ranked will be the Wolverines (3-0 Big Ten, 10-2 over- isn't too m all) into Morgantown on Sunday to know they face Burdette and West Virginia (9- me." 1) in a nonconference meet. Scoringv While the' Mountaineers' record um will al is strong, they haven't been able to Wolverines score higher than a 195.2 all sea- return ther son. is hosting4 Last year, the Wolverines easily championsh took care of then-No. 16 West Vir- ginia, winning 197.575-193.675 at Crisler Arena. Michigan has not dropped a meet since its season-opening loss to Oklahoma and Arizona on Jan. 4 in Maui. The Wolverines win steak is due, in part, to many gymnasts' gradual recoveries from injuries. "This is the healthiest we've been, knock on wood," Plocki said. "I wouldn't say we are at full strength but we are getting as close oing to get." hose gymnasts who just rom injuries are sopho- se Ray and freshman oll. oming off a bruised heel, made her collegiate debut on the vault last week with a 9.825 in Michi- gan's upset of No. 2 Georgia. Ray finally returned to the all-around compe- tition last week, and came back in style, win- ning the event with a score of 39.625. "I was a little nervous I'm excited that I finally out my team even if it n vault," said Kroll, a native whose extended ll be in attendance on irginia is only about an from home, so I'll have y friends from home that ere," she added. "There nuch pressure though. I are always supporting well in the WVU Colise- so be important to the because Michigan could v in April. West Viriginia one of the six regional ,hips. i, Water polo starving for East Coast competition By Daniel Bremmer Daily Sports Writer Hungry. That is how Michigan water polo coach Amber Drury-Pinto describes her team's attitude going into this weekend's tournament in Princeton. Following a 1-2 start to its season PRINCET three weeks ago at the Wolverine Who: No.14 Mic Princeton Invitatic Invitational in Ann Arbor, Michigan Latest: The Michi is ready to attack its East Coast com- team carries its s petition. paign into the Gar "We're hoping to come away where it willifaceI undefeated. It should be a good Hartwick and Buc weekend," said Drury=Pinto opti- wolverines are lo mistically. back from a 1-2 s After the Wolverine Invitational -which featured close losses to No. 6 California Santa-Barbara and No. 7 Hawaii - Drury-Pinto stressed that the team needed to improve its cohe- hig onE igar sopt sdei Ha ckn oki tar siveness and work on its fundamentals. She believes that the Wolverines have done both in the past three weeks. "We've definitely made some improvements," she said. "The girls have been working hard at it. Our passing and shooting has really improved." In addition to their mechanical N, N.J. improvements, team chemistry will an (1-2) at also be stressed this weekend. Because i water po of the team's youth (almost half the homore cam- players are freshmen), Drury-Pinto is n state, still experimenting with different player rvard, combinations, and the team is working ell. The to see which younger players fit in well ng to bounce with the veterans. t. "We're still in the experimental stages, still trying to gel lines together and see what's working," said Drury-Pinto said. One key player for the Wolverines this weekend will be one of those freshmen - goalie Betsey Arm- strong. Armstrong, who went to high school in Ann Arbor, got off to a strong start at the Wolverine Invi- tational, making nine key saves in her collegiate debut against Santa-Barbara. Another important freshman is Casey Kerney, CWPA Player of the Week for January 21-27. She had two hat tricks and finished with eight goals for Michigan in its first tournament and currently leads the team in goals scored. While the Wolverines expect to come out solid this weekend in New Jersey, Drury-Pinto is careful about keeping this tournament in perspective. The Wolverines will travel back east at the end of April for the Division Championships at Villanova and the Eastern Championships again at Princeton before capping their season at the NCAA Champi- onships in Los Angeles in early May. "They're important games (this weekend) but its still very early," said Drury-Pinto. "The big prize is still a couple months off, so we want to make sure we keep building through the whole season." Distance runners relax in Harold Silverston By Jacob Leonhardt For the Daily The Michigan women's track and field team turned in a strong per- formance last weekend at the USTCA Collegiate Challenge in State College, placing second out of 13 teams. Indiana ran away with the victory last weekend, earning 139 points, compared to Michigan's second- place 95-point performance. Michi- gan Coach James Henry is happy with last weekend's showing, but believes the team needs to improve on some events to be successful in the upcoming Big Ten Champi- onships. "This past weekend was extremely intense," Henry said. "We're going to give some of our runners a breather. Henry wants to give his long-dis- tance and middle-distance runners a break when the Wolverines host the Harold Silverston Invitational this Saturday. He'll do this by putting them into some shorter distance events. This strategy will give the team a chance to prepare for the Big Ten Championships in West Lafayette on Feb. 24-25. Henry and the Wolverines have cir- cled the Big Ten Championship on their calendars early this year. They hope that clinching the Big Ten title will prepare them for faster competi- tion at the NCAA Indoor National Championships on March 9-10 in Fayetteville, Ark. "It will be very challenging at the upcoming Big Ten Championships with the two-time defending Big Ten champions, Indiana," Henry said. He said he thinks that Illinois, INDOOR TRACK BUILDING Who: Michigan hosts Harold Silverston Invitational When: 9:30 a.m. Latest: Michigan coach James Henry is giv- ing his long-distance runners by placing them in shorter events. Indiana and Purdue will be Michi- gan's toughest competition at the Big Ten Championships. "We have a well-balanced team this year with outstanding perform- ances by our throwers, middle dis- tance runners, high jumpers and hurdlers, which is just about every- thing," Henry said. He believes the tri-captains have led the team to their strong perform- ance last weekend. "The seniors have done a tremen- dous job leading the team, and that the freshman have stepped up and performed well too," Henry said. U - -U ggg Aren't you tired of hearing about sexual dysfunction in men? * * Uvr Yes, I wish that we could get answers for sexual dysfunction in WOMEN!!! Doctors in the area are conducting a research study for women with sexual dysfunction. You may qualify for the study if you are: * Generally healthy . At least 48 years old, * At least 3 years post-menopausal, * Troubled by your sexual dysfunction, * Not currently on any hormone replacement therapy TOM-LDKAMP/Daly The women's track team has a week remaining to prepare for Big Ten's. Medal tracker Study-related physical exams, laboratory tests, ECGs, and investigational medication at no charge. Compensation up to $400 for completing 7 visits. F'