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The matchup between the Michigan women’s soccer team and No. 11 Ohio State was a battle from start to finish, and sophomore defender Campbell Jewell made sure it was one that neither team will soon forget. Though the Wolverines ultimately fell 2-1, Jewell’s contributions were pivotal in keeping the game close until the final whistle.
From Ohio State’s first possession of the ball, Michigan’s defense was put under pressure. Just minutes in, the Wolverines left their goal exposed, and it looked like an early lead for the Buckeyes was soon to follow. But Jewell stepped in at the right moment to block Ohio State’s first shot on goal — the first of many crucial defensive plays she made. By making an early stop, Jewell sent a message that Michigan was not backing down.
Soon after, Jewell intercepted a key pass around 10 minutes into the game that again kept the Buckeyes off the board. Her field awareness and ability to play strong defense kept Ohio State from finding an early rhythm. And being from Eaton, Ohio, that meant keeping people she knew personally from scoring.
“I’m actually from Ohio,” Jewell said. “I know five of their ten starters that were on the field. So for me, it’s a little bit more personal. For the team, it’s just like any other game. We come out, we prepare, we compete, (and) put the ball in the back of the net.”
Despite being a defender, Jewell proved that she isn’t just a defensive powerhouse. Part way through the first half, she made her presence felt on the offensive front as well. Jewell connected with junior forward Kali Burrell, who set up junior defender Taylor Brennan for the Wolverines’ only goal of the match. Jewell’s assist showcased her ability to shift gears, and act as an offensive spur when necessary.
“Half the time you have to be thinking about offense, but the other half the time you have to be thinking about defense as well,” Jewell said. “So you play cat and mouse a little bit with their wide forwards, and if they go forward, you drop back a little bit, but you also push high, so that way they drop off just a little bit.”
Michigan carried its one-goal lead into halftime, but the Buckeyes made necessary adjustments in the second half that the Wolverines couldn’t control. However, after Ohio State tied the game, Jewell proved to still be relentless, knocking the ball right out from a Buckeye forward at the goal line within the last five minutes of gameplay, in an effort to keep the game tied.
With her defensive prowess and offensive work, Michigan’s head coach Jen Klein was quick to praise Jewell’s growth this season. Only a sophomore, Jewell has been a key playmaker in each game this season. Sunday was no different, as Jewell showed her grit and growth while making key plays against Ohio State.
“She did a really good job, showed some good composure and has shown some more maturity in the way that she’s defending against some very good forwards,” Klein said. “ … She’s maturing and growing into her role, and that’s a great thing. Her being a sophomore, and just learning and getting better each game so it’s going to be helpful for us not only to finish out the season strong but looking into the future as well.”
Though Michigan came up short against the Buckeyes, Jewell’s tenacity and skill proved that she can keep the Wolverines close when she is on her A-game.
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