COLUMBUS A-A-- It was a fun ride while it lasted. The seventh-seeded Michigan field hockey team claimed the Big Ten Tournament last week and had won nine of its previous ten matches coming into this weekend's NCAA Tournament. After Saturday's thrilling 4-3 first-round overtime win against No. 17 Boston University in which the team overcame a 3-1 deficit, the Wolverines failed to claw their way out of the same hole the next day.

In Sunday's second-round match against No. 3 Old Dominion (8-0 Colonial Athletic Association, 19-5 overall), Michigan again fell behind 3-1, and the team could not put enough pressure on its opponent to make up the difference. Junior goalkeeper Beth Riley kept the Wolverines in the contest with six saves, but the gritty play of Michigan's veterans was not enough, as the Wolverines fell 3-2.

With the score knotted at one apiece in the first half, the Wolverines "scored" two goals that were called back because of penalties. The Michigan bleachers erupted in cheers each time, but were quickly quieted as the field judges erased both tallies.

"Having two goals called back was an example of missed opportunities," first-year coach Nancy Cox said. "On one of the plays, we weren't far enough in the circle to take the shot when we had a point-blank opportunity. Those are the type of things we need to take away from this match in order to make the program better."

The Wolverines (3-3 Big Ten, 16-8) got great production from their freshman stars, as first-year forwards Erin Dallas and Stephanie Hoyer both scored goals on Sunday. But the team relied on the steady play of their experienced players throughout the stretch run of the season.

"At this point in the year it comes down to faith and trust in each other," Cox said. "The seniors feel like they have to put everyone else on their shoulders."

It was the final collegiate match of senior captain Lori Hillman's acclaimed career. The defenseman, who was awarded her second consecutive Big Ten Tournament MVP last week, was all over the field this weekend.

Hillman notched three assists in Saturday's first-round match against Boston University. The contest went into sudden-death overtime, with each team looking for a goal to prolong its season. Junior midfielder Eleanor Martin scored her first goal of the year a little over five minutes into the overtime period, sending the Wolverines into the second round.

Many Michigan fans made the trip down to Columbus for the weekend and their presence was felt on the field. The players responded well to the cheers of family and friends, but came up just short in the end.

Though the players saw their season end on Sunday, their coach remained positive about her first year at the helm.

"All year our kids worked hard day in and day out," Cox said. "We exceeded our expectations for the season."