SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The No. 5-ranked University of Michigan water polo team dropped a heartbreaker to No. 16 San Diego State University falling, 7-6, in overtime at the Aztec Aquaplex.
It was a game of runs on Sunday. The Aztecs jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first quarter, but Michigan responded behind goals from three freshmen: Kata Utassy (five-meter penalty), Lola Ciruli and Libby Alsemgeest.
San Diego State then scored the next two, going up, 4-3, on a goal from Spencer Samuel in the second quarter. But the Wolverines fought right back to go into halftime up, 5-4, on goals from juniors Erin Neustrom and Kayla Barone.
The Aztecs tied it up at five-al with 1:33 left in the third quarter on a goal from Laurene Padilla. The following possession, U-M goalkeeper Heidi Ritner was issued an exclusion, opening the net for the hosts. But the Wolverine defense rallied, blocking the attempt and ending the threat.
Senior Maddie O’Reilly put Michigan up, 6-5, with 3:03 left to go, but San Diego State’s Bennett scored with one second left on the clock in the fourth quarter to tie the game at six-all and send the two teams to overtime for the second time in two days.
The Wolverines had two power-play opportunities in the overtime periods, but were unable to convert. Samuel scored for the Aztecs with 1:13 left in the second overtime to give them a 7-6 lead. Michigan had a last-ditch opportunity from senior Kathy Rogers inside of 30 seconds, but her shot hit the crossbar.
Ritner made 10 saves in goal for Michigan.
Release courtesy University of Michigan Athletics Communications
