Kacy Beitel's 14 points were the third-most on the team a year ago and make her the No. 2 returning scorer for the Wolverines. To help the offense, Beitel, who can swing between midfield and forward, may see more minutes as a forward. Marie Spaccarotella, who came on strong at the end of last season scoring a goal in Michigan's NCAA Tournament win over Xavier, and Abby Tompkins, who had an impressive spring showing, could both see action up-front as well. The U-M coaches are raving about the offensive potential of freshman duo Abby Crumpton and Amy Sullivant. Both bring speed, athleticism and knack for putting the ball in the net and if they have strong showings early in the year, could find themselves starting alongside Berendowsky before the 1999 season is out.
Midfield remains the strength of the Michigan team.
Mari Hoff, Shannon Poole and Emily Schmitt are each three-year starters and have been instrumental in the program's rise in national and regional prominence. Ten honoree and three-time member of the Olympic Development Program's National Team. Add sophomores Laurie Peterson, who played in all 22 games a year ago, and Nancy Mather, who saw action in 21 games as freshman, and the midfield position is deep with experience. The Michigan coaches expect freshman Michele Pesiri to bring skill and depth to the outside midfield slot, comparing Pesiri's style of play to Schmitt's. Further, the coaches can rotate some players around.