There were six minutes left and the Michigan women's soccer team was locked in a scoreless tie. A turnover just outside of the box turned into a chance for Ohio State. A shot to the right inside post made it 1-0, and two minutes later, the Buckeyes found the back of the net again. But the 2-0 Michigan loss didn't reflect the competitiveness of the rivalry, which opened the Wolverines' Big Ten slate.

Michigan (0-1-0 Big Ten, 5-2-2 overall) hung on for much of the game, but defensive lapses in the second half ended the Wolverines' chances.

The Wolverines came into the game with a 6-0-3 record in conference openers since 2000. Looking past the rivalry, the game drops Michigan to 0-1 in the Big Ten after five wins in non-conference play including a 5-0 win over Massachusetts.

"We have been coming off such a high because of the wins we have been producing in non-conference games," senior defender Sarah Stanczyk said. "The loss was a big blow because of the rivalry … but we need to put the game in the past, learn from our mistakes and move forward."

Senior midfielder Jackie Carron knew coming into the game that it was going to be a difficult match.

"(Ohio State) is always one or two in the Big Ten," Carron said.

In the first half, both teams possessed the ball and had quality scoring chances. In net, redshirt sophomore Haley Kopmeyer recorded six saves and was helped out of the crossbar on one key play. In that play, Ohio State's best opportunity to that point hit off of the crossbar on a corner kick.

At halftime, Michigan coach Greg Ryan made changes in order to have the offense pressure the defense near the box. The Wolverines did just that as more pressure created more opportunities in front of the Buckeye net. But despite their aggressive play, the Wolverines couldn't produce enough quality shots.

"Our plan is to play hard and play teams under pressure," Ryan said. "We have a very aggressive team this year, which differs from the past."

Midway through the half, freshman forward Nkem Ezurike headed the ball in front of the goal, nearly giving the Wolverines the lead, but to no avail. Ezurike led the team with three shots, two of them on goal. The team total was six shots, three on goal.

The Wolverines now look to rebound on the road against Northwestern next weekend where they hope they can take advantage of their aggressive play in the box.