Greater than the sum of its parts — that is the goal of every team as they seek to combine various playing styles and personalities. Yet more often, teams struggle to truly integrate and allow each member to reach their full potential.
For the No. 7 Michigan field hockey team, Sunday was a case where working together enhanced each player’s actions. The Wolverines routed Bellarmine in spectacular fashion thanks to every player’s commitment to playing as a cohesive unit.
The field was never quiet as Michigan’s communication was constant. Every possession or defensive play was a chance for the Wolverines to talk on the field and solidify everyone’s role. This was key in responding to advances from the Knight’s fast style of play.
On the other end of the field, Michigan’s passing was the largest part of its ability to trounce Bellarmine, as nearly every pass was perfectly placed, allowing players to maneuver even within a crowded shooting circle. Conversely, the Knights struggled to send passes downfield, as the Wolverines stayed connected to make easy interceptions and keep the ball in the offensive half of the field.
“I had to appreciate how much hard work was coming from all over the field,” sophomore fullback Dru Moffett said. “A lot of my goals were coming from layers and layers of passes from all the way in the backfield.”
There was barely any action on Michigan’s defensive half as it only allowed Bellarmine to take one shot the entire game, which was missed wide. Whenever the Knights got the ball, the Wolverines were quick to respond, communicating and often stealing the ball back within 15 seconds. The void between the level of passing was large as on target passes was Michigan’s key to scoring 13 points, while poor passing kept Bellarmine from keeping the ball.
The fourth quarter displayed what the Wolverines excelled at, fast, yet coordinated play. It was rare to not hear the shouts of Michigan’s players as they used the large lead to get younger players to score goals and play pivotal roles. This led to a seemingly inconsequential season opener becoming the Wolverines’ largest win margin in 45 years.
Sunday was about how much the team could accomplish together, instead of any specific player. Every member knew what they had to do, whether that was shoot, make clear passes, or just communicate with their team members.
“At all levels of our play today, it was a team effort,” Michigan coach Kristi Gannon Fisher said. “It was great to see that even when we have our non stars in, the levels stay high. That means that we have a really deep bench going into the Big Ten season.”
The Wolverines were a dominant force Sunday, unrelenting even as the score mounted. Michigan took 40 shots on goal compared to a single shot from the Knights and won the game 13-0. Each player had a chance to shine as individuals, coordinating incredibly well, demonstrating both the depth of the team and the strength of their teamwork.
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