TEMPE, Ariz. — The No. 6-ranked University of Michigan water polo team scored three goals in the final quarter to topple No. 4 Arizona State University, 12-10, in a back-and-forth slugfest in the Arizona State Invitational at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. It is the Wolverines’ first win over a top-five opponent since March 4, 2017, when they also defeated then No. 5 Arizona State.
The Sun Devils went up, 2-0, out of the gate, but the Wolverines answered right back with goals from sophomore Anne Rankin and senior Maddie O’Reilly (via five-meter penalty shot). An offensive foul in the middle of the pool by Arizona State led to a quick counter-attack by Michigan as the Wolverines turned what was essentially a three-on-one opportunity into a goal from O’Reilly to put U-M ahead, 3-2. Freshman Kata Utassy scored a goal before the end of the quarter, but the home side answered, deadlocking the two teams at 4 after one quarter.
Early in the second quarter, O’Reilly was stopped on a five-meter penalty. On the ensuing possession with the shot clock winding down, junior Ava Morrant found classmate Erin Neustrom inside, and she skipped it past Arizona State keeper Itzahiana Baca to put U-M up, 5-4. An Arizona State exclusion led to a man-advantage goal for Michigan, scored by senior Kathy Rogers. Freshman Libby Alsemgeest followed with a goal, spinning away from two defenders before depositing the shot into the corner past Baca to make it 7-5. The Wolverines looked to enter the half ahead after a goal from O’Reilly with 15 seconds left, but the Sun Devils answered again, tying the score at eight-all courtesy a goal with one second left.
Michigan capitalized on a big play early when Arizona State’s Bente Rogge picked up her third exclusion just 30 seconds into the half. Morrant stepped up and scored on the subsequent penalty. The difference in the quarter came on six-on-five opportunities; Arizona State converted its chance to go up 10-9, while Michigan missed its chance after Rogers unluckily hit the post. The Wolverines had several opportunities to once again tie up the game, but Baca turned each one away.
The Wolverines took over in the fourth quarter to lock down the win. Alsemgeest got Michigan back to level terms before O’Reilly, with the shot clock winding down, put her team ahead for good with 4:54 remaining. The dagger came from senior Sofie Pontré with 2:28 left when her shot went into the net off a deflection from an Arizona State player. Ritner made two critical saves in the final minute to preserve the victory.
O’Reilly led the Wolverines with three goals with Alsemgeest notching a pair, while Rankin, Neustro, Rogers, Pontré, Morrant and Utassy each chipped in solo markers. Ritner turned aside eight shots and grabbed three steals to pick up the victory.
Emma Fraser keyed the Sun Devils with three goals. Blaire McDowell and Borbala Kekesi each scored twice with Luca Petovary, Alba Olive Marti and Rogge each tacking on solo strikes. Baca suffered the loss with nine saves.
Release courtesy University of Michigan Athletics Communications
