Most freshmen don't exhibit the poise and expertise of seasoned veterans. However, Erin Dallas is not a typical freshman.

Instead of warming the bench like many rookies, Dallas has played a big role in the Michigan field hockey team's success this year. The forward has started every game, scoring eight regular-season goals, and, with 18 regular-season points, is second only to team leader Katie Morris, who has 25.

"Coming out as a freshman, I figured there would already be people higher and better at the position than I am," Dallas said. "I expected the team to be able to be the Big Ten champs, but I didn't expect to be where I am on the team. I didn't expect to be playing as much as I am or even starting."

Dallas, a former soccer player, took up field hockey in seventh grade as something fun to do with her sister. She then played on the U.S. Under-16 team, participated twice in the USA/Canada Challenge and competed in the AAU Junior Olympics. She is currently a member of the 2006 U.S. Under-21 team.

All that work before college has enabled her to make a smooth transition to Michigan.

"It didn't take me that long to make the adjustment to college field hockey," Dallas said. "During the summers, I was playing at the same level. The biggest adjustment I had to make was getting used to the team and their style of play."

Dallas's overall game has improved throughout the season, especially her ability to read opposing defenders.

She envisioned herself as a key player in a Michigan Big Ten Tournament championship someday but not until at least her junior or senior year. Her time came earlier than expected, and, like almost any player would be, she was nervous before the tournament. But as with any good athlete, all the butterflies disappeared once the game had started.

Cool under pressure, Dallas scored the first goal of the tournament for Michigan, tying Iowa just two minutes before halftime. After her goal, Michigan never trailed again.

Dallas maintained a professional even-keel even after her heroics.

"(We just wanted to) keep up the good work," Dallas said of the team's mentality at halftime. "We were just talking about doing what we've been doing. I think it (gave us more momentum) because it showed (the Hawkeyes) that we were with them. We all knew we could win, we just needed to get the drive to go."

Dallas's second and final goal of the tournament was just as vital as her first. She scored the first goal in Michigan's 3-0 win against Indiana on Sunday in the championship game.

"I'd never been in that situation before," Dallas said. "In high school, we never went to the championships. It's a big thing to be on a championship team."

Dallas will have big shoes to fill in the future, such as those of senior team captain and tournament MVP Lori Hillman and former Michigan forward April Fronzoni, who graduated in 2003.

"I actually made a goal to try and tie (Fronzoni's) amount of goals in a season," Dallas said.

Dallas has set the bar high for herself. Fronzoni led the Wolverines with 20 goals in her senior season and twice won the Honda Award, given annually to the best field hockey player in the nation. She also holds the Michigan all-time career record for goals with 68.

If Dallas's Michigan career mirrors her stellar freshman season, Fronzoni could soon have some company in the annals of Michigan field hockey history.