MADISON — The Michigan women’s soccer team was in a
place few had expected it to be this weekend. As serious contenders
in yesterday’s Big Ten Tournament final, the Wolverines were
ready to cap a successful end to their Big Ten season. But after
playing three games in four days — including a
double-overtime win against Ohio State — Michigan ran out of
gas and allowed a talented Illinois team to notch two late goals
and take the Big Ten Tournament championship.

“We didn’t play very well,” Michigan coach
Debbie Rademacher said. “It was disappointing that we were
really in the game and lost it at the end. I think fatigue was a
big factor.”

The Michigan defense dodged several bullets throughout the game,
facing eight corner kicks, including four early in the first half.
But tough pressure from Illinois — which runs a three-forward
offense — eventually caused Michigan’s bending defense
to break. In the 80th minute, star forward Tara Hurless put one
over a leaping Megan Tuura for the Illini’s first score.

“It was a switch and a one-versus-one situation, and she
just put it in,” Rademacher said. “(Hurless) is their
best player.”

Hurless was recognized for her efforts by being named the
tournament’s MVP. Freshman defender Brenna Mulholland and
senior forward Stephanie Chavez were also named to the
all-tournament team.

Chavez — who led the Wolverines with five shots —
headed a Michigan offense that had several dangerous opportunities,
but struggled to find a rhythm against Illinois’ tough
defense. Chavez’s best chance came in the beginning of the
second half when she received the ball well inside the box and
fired a shot that Illinois keeper Leisha Alcia barely saved. The
majority of Michigan’s chances came when the ball bounced
around inside the box after being served in; the Wolverines rarely
were able to build up an attack down the center.

“We didn’t play real attractive soccer today, and
they just took advantage of those opportunities,” Rademacher
said.

The freshman Tuura made three saves, but allowed two goals in
the last 10 minutes of the contest. Before then, the chance of the
game heading to overtime seemed quite possible, and Michigan,
having played in eight overtimes already this season, might have
had an advantage.

Despite the disappointing loss, the Wolverines have plenty to be
proud of. Michigan defeated Ohio State 2-1 last Thursday night in a
double- overtime thriller and then toughed out a 1-0 win against
Wisconsin Friday. Rademacher praised the team’s play in the
first and second round, which may have been enough to earn Michigan
a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

“We had such a great weekend and played really
well,” Rademacher said. “We’re hoping to get
rewarded for that.”

The Wolverines appeared dejected but not devastated after the
loss yesterday, enduring a somber silence while the Illini
celebrated in the middle of the field. But Rademacher said she told
the players that they should keep their heads up and “keep
the season going.”

“When we had some disappointing results early on, we
didn’t fold and call it a season,” Rademacher said.
“That’s the one thing about this team. They will work.
If you ask them to do something, they will do it 100
percent.”

As for the fact that only one Wolverine, freshman Lindsay
Cottrell, was named to the All-Big Ten team, Rademacher said it
provides motivation as Michigan heads into the next phase of the
postseason.

“The team wants to prove that they’re a good
team,” Rademacher said. “It’s not about the
individual effort, it’s how you finish at the end of the
season.”