Michigan Rolls in Warmup vs Cincinnati
Michigan Rolls in Warmup vs Cincinnati
University of Michigan and University of Cincinnati got an early warmup for their fall seasons, meeting up in Ohio on a very warm day.
Michigan controlled the pace of the game nicely with sophomore wing Tommy Hamann finding plenty of space and scoring four tries on the day as Michigan ran out 61-5 winners.
New Head Coach Christian Mentzer, who has taken over from Matt Trenary, who is now Director of Developemnt, was happy with the start.
"This team has been working hard for two weeks in preparation for this game," said Mentzer. "While there are many things we need to improve, the heart and intensity our guys displayed is something we can be proud of. Respect to Cincinnati for being such gracious hosts."
Captain Thomas Hendricks's Wolverines got on the board early with a break from inside center Luke Zana. Cincinnati answered and kept it close through most of the first half. But a try from wing Justin Ladd, converted by scrumhalf Max Rector, and a penalty also from Rector made it 15-5 late in the first half.
As the game went on Michigan's preseason work started to show and they found more room out wide. No. 8 Armen Vartanian set up Hamann for his first and pretty soon the wing had a natural hat-trick with his second and third in quick success. Tries from Zane (his second), skipper Hendricks at hooker (the first forward to score), lock Michael Acherman, Ladd for his second, and finally Hamann for his fourth wrapped it up.
Rector added 11 points with the boot.
It was a useful warmup for Cincy as they saw what they need to do to eliminate space out wide. Next up for Michigan is another MAC team in Bowling Green, Friday in Ann Arbor. Cincinnati opens their MAC Conference season against Ohio at home in two weeks.
