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Who will fill the voids left by Caitlin Muir and Kaitlyn Mead?
The Wolverines lost their top two scorers in Muir (18 GB, 23 A) and Mead (28 G, 9 A, 71 DC), who was also the team’s leader in draws. Critical pieces return, but Nielsen hopes it isn’t a one or two-person show in 2023. It wasn’t in the fall.
“We’d like to have four starting attackers where on any given day one has four goals and then the next game someone else [steps up] and it’s a shared, balanced offense,” Nielsen said.
Still, two players have stood out. Back for a fifth year, Thompson (32 G) brings consistency and leadership. Meanwhile, Dyer (15 G, 12 A) provides a glimpse into the long-term future after a standout freshman year.
“She has all the skills in the world,” Nielsen said. “Her stick is pretty and smooth. She’s got a side-arm release and creativity with her play. Now, she’s matching that with the confidence piece and seeing herself as a dominant starter.”
If Dyer puts it all together — watch out.
“She’ll be unstoppable,” Nielsen said.
Jill Smith emerged late, starting four games at the end of the season, and is expected to play a more significant role in 2023.
Who will start in net?
Arielle Weissman was the clear starter heading into last season, and she showed why all year. The All-American finished sixth in Division I in save percentage (.505) and seventh in goals-against average (9.01).
“Arielle is a big loss,” Nielsen said. “Now that they don’t have her here, it’s made the battle for the position a true battle.”
Three players are vying for the nod. Erin O’Grady (9.88 GAA, .381 SV %) was the No. 2 last season, seeing action in four games totaling just under 79 minutes. Nielsen said she impressed in the fall — showing natural vocal leadership abilities that may be even stronger than Weissman’s.
“She’s putting her hand up for significant time,” Nielsen said.
But Maya Santa-Maria, who played in two games, and Mariah Sweeney, who played in three last year and was Weissman’s second fiddle in 2021, are still in the running. Nielsen says Sweeney’s game experience gives her a differentiating factor.
Key players back on defense
The Wolverines finished ninth in scoring defense last season (9.28 GAA), and Nielsen doesn’t expect 2023 to be much different.
“Similar to previous years, our defense is what we have become known for,” Nielsen said.
Maryland could say the same thing — a Terp has been named a Big Ten defender of the year in each of the last seven seasons. But Nielsen thinks she’s got someone who has a fighting chance to break the streak in Burns (18 CT, 26 GB)
“She could be Big Ten defender of the year,” Nielsen said. “She’s playing on a whole new level. She’ll be taking the top matchup on the other team, and she’ll be sliding and she’ll be pushing the ball in transition. She’s scoring goals this fall in transition which is adding anther element to her game. There is no job too big for Maddie Burns.”
Morgan Whitaker (19 CT 33 GB) is a fifth-year who not even her all-time great coach wants to go against in practice.
“She’s an absolute beast,” Nielsen said. “I get into practice and I’m like, ‘Uh-oh, she’s matched up against me.’ She’s back for a reason. She wants this team to be successful. Morgan, in my mind, is an All-American defender.”
ENEMY LINES
WHAT RIVALS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE WOLVERINES
“Their team is really athletic, physical and tough. They are ready to continue to raise the bar. They are going to be fast and put a lot of pressure on you on both sides of the field.”
“Traditionally, very, very well-coached and organized. Their defense is really disciplined and physical, and their offense is pretty meticulous.”
34 shots
The good news: In 2022, Arielle Weissman took a pretty significant leap in net. The bad news: She’s not on the 2023 roster. The Wolverines finished the 2022 season ranked fifth in opponent-adjusted save percentage after finishing 58th in 2021. That was a part of their defensive ranking jumping from 62nd to 10th. Big Blue will have a goalie battle this spring, but whether Maya Santa-Maria, Mariah Sweeney or Erin O’Grady wins the job, the position is an unknown. Collectively, those three goalies faced a total of 34 shots last season.
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