FRESNO, Calif. — The No. 15-ranked the University of Michigan fell 23-18 to No. 5 the University of California on the second day of Polopalooza hosted by Fresno State University at the Fresno State Aquatics Center. After a slow-paced first half, the Wolverines capitalized on their offensive opportunities and kept it tight throughout the third and fourth quarters in falling to the Golden Bears.
Emma Gustafsson led Michigan with five goals and two assists. Captains Riley Chapple (four goals, one assist) and Brooke Ingram (three goals) also stood out for the Maize & Blue.
After a slow defensive start, Michigan quickly fell behind 8-3 to the Bears in the first quarter. Ingram and Chapple initiated the scoring for the Wolverines, with Kaia Levenfeld adding the third goal off a penalty shot to close out the first quarter.
Michigan started the second quarter by conceding three goals prior to Ari Karampetsouswishing a shot to put her team back on the scoreboard. Gustafsson and Ingram both added scores. Harriet Dickens closed out the Wolverines’ first-half scoring by lining a long shot out of the Cal goalkeeper’s reach on the power play as Michigan trailed 13-7 entering halftime.
In the second half, U-M picked up its offensive pursuit, recording six goals in the third quarter. Issy Jackson and Chapple converted on scoring chances before Gustaffon cashed in for back-to-back goals. With just over a minute left in the third quarter, Karampetsou recorded another score to trim California’s lead to 17-13 heading into the final eight minutes of regulation.
Jackson, Gustafsson and Chapple combined for five goals in the fourth quarter, but the Golden Bears notched six scores in the closing minutes of the contest to stave off a Michigan comeback and claim victory.
Information courtesy University of Michigan Athletics Communications
