If defense really wins championships, then, well, Michigan’s field-hockey team is about to hoist a national-championship trophy.
The Wolverines (21-2), ranked No. 3 in the nation, enter Friday’s NCAA semifinals on an unbelievable roll — particularly on defense, with a nation-best 0.61 goals-against average, .860 save percentage and 17 shutouts. Six of those shutouts have come in the last six games, including five in postseason play. They’ve posted shutouts in 15 of their last 18 games.
“It’s been outstanding,” coach Marcia Pankratz said this week. “Right down the middle, with Katie (Trombetta), a first-team All-American. She’s a smart field general.