ANN ARBOR, MICH — Monmouth Field Hockey suffered just its third loss of the season and second consecutive after falling to No. 19 Michigan Sunday, 2-1.
The hosting Wolverines did well to slow the Hawks' offense, limiting the visitors to five shots, four of which were on goal and keeping them without a penalty corner until second half's action. Michigan was propelled by the game's opening goal, which was scored 30 seconds in as the hosts worked the ball down the right side and earned a corner after finding a foot of a Hawks defender.
Charlie Bowman laid out to make the initial stop for Monmouth, but the Hawks had trouble clearing in front of the net and the Wolverines took advantage as they lifted the second attempt over Bowman for the goal.
Monmouth came out more aggressive to start the second period, as
Ava Zerfass immediately fired the team's first two shots of the game in the opening minute of the quarter. Michigan goalie Hala Silverstein did well to keep the shutout, making back-to-back saves on the sequence. Silverstein made another timely play six minutes later, as
Maja Schröder sent in a ball towards cage with sophomore midfielder
Alicia Vanderlyde buzzing around, ready to get a tip onto goal. However, Silverstein stepped up and got a stick on the pass inside to break up the potentially dangerous opportunity.
The Hawks earned their first penalty corner of the game to start the second half, as
Maia McCourt won a 50-50 ball near the 25 before sending a pass to
Éabha Curran who earned the corner for her side.
Lauren Relik inserted the ensuing set play with
Anna Moors swinging a shot that was headed top corner; however, Wolverines' Abby Burnett managed a stick on the attempt to parry the ball away mid-air for the defensive save.
Gallery: (10-11-2026) Field Hockey at No. 19 Michigan 10/11/26
The Wolverines doubled their lead to start the fourth quarter, which ultimately proved pivotal in keeping the Hawks at bay. Monmouth immediately answered off the re-start of the whistle, earning a penalty corner on the opposite end. Schroder re-played the insert quickly to Moors, who took a touch and fired through the legs of Silverstein for her fourth of the year.
However, the offense stalled there for Monmouth and was left without a shot for the remainder of the contest.
The Hawks dropped to 8-3 overall following Sunday's result, while Michigan improved to 6-6. Zerfass led the team with three shots, followed by Moors with two including her score. Bowman finished with six saves in the loss.
Monmouth is back in action Friday, hosting CAA counterpart William & Mary on So Sweet A Cat Field on Senior Day, beginning at 3 p.m.
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