BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The No. 8-ranked University of Michigan water polo team put up its best defensive performance of the season in a dominant 10-3 win over No. 13 Indiana University at the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center. The Wolverines led 4-3 at halftime, but went on a 6-0 scoring run in the second half, keeping the Hoosiers off the scoreboard completely.
The Wolverines got off to a slow start, as Indiana took a 2-0 lead after the first quarter. The visitors went inside to junior Erin Neustrom on back-to-back possession, but both of her shots were saved by IU keeper Mary Askew. Askew made five saves in the opening eight minutes.
The offense came alive in the second quarter. Michigan quickly tied the game at 2-2 on goals from senior Maddie O’Reilly (on the powerplay) and Neustrom, forcing an Indiana timeout. The Wolverines continued to build momentum, taking a 3-2 lead on a five-meter penalty from freshman Kata Utassy. Shortly after another powerplay expired, O’Reilly deposited a shot into the net to make it 4-2. The Hoosiers pulled one back on a powerplay goal of their own right before halftime.
The Wolverines began to pull away in the third quarter, scoring powerplay goals from senior Sofie Pontré and senior Kathy Rogers. Senior Emily Ritner got a steal on the defensive end, swam the length of the pool, then played a beautiful give-and-go with O’Reilly to add a third goal. The Michigan defense swarmed the Hoosiers, and led 7-3 heading to the fourth quarter.
Facing a deficit, Indiana pressed on defense, which opened up space for the Wolverines to add to their lead. Junior Ava Morrant got Askew moving with a great pump fake, then fired one past her to make it 8-3. Freshman Libby Alsemgeest added goals on back-to-back possessions, increasing the lead to 10-3.
The Michigan defense was flat-out dominant. Take out the two goals the Hoosiers scored with the man advantage, Michigan held Indiana to a 1-for-22 clip at even strength.
Graduate student Heidi Ritner started in net and made two saves in the first half. Junior Sophie Jackson replaced her at halftime and shined, stopping all six shots she faced.
Release courtesy University of Michigan Athletics Communications
