Michigan Rallies to Defeat No. 4 Arizona State
2/26/2021 5:30:00 PM
// Brad Rudner
» The Wolverines outscored Arizona State, 3-0, in the fourth quarter.
» It is Michigan's first win over a top-five program since March 4, 2017 (No. 5 Arizona State).
» Maddie O'Reilly scored three goals, while Heidi Ritner made eight saves in goal.
Site: Tempe, Ariz. (Mona Plummer Aquatic Center)
Score: #6 Michigan 12, #4 Arizona State 10
Records: U-M (5-0), ASU (5-2)
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Feb. 27 -- vs. #1 USC (Tempe, Ariz.), 2 p.m. MST
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, 12-10, in a back-and-forth slugfest on Friday (Feb. 26) at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. It is the program's first win over a top-five opponent since March 4, 2017, when it defeated 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 (5-2) led to a quick counter-attack by Michigan (5-0), as the Wolverines turned what was essentially a 3-on-1 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 period.
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 beautiful 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 8 on 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 6-on-5 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 it 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.
The Wolverines will continue play Saturday (Feb. 27) at the Mona Plummer Aquatic Center in Tempe, Ariz., facing No. 1 USC at 2 p.m. MST.
"to" - Google News
February 27, 2021 at 05:36AM
https://ift.tt/3ksIlzO
Michigan Rallies to Defeat No. 4 Arizona State - MGoBlue
"to" - Google News
https://ift.tt/368wPko
https://ift.tt/3dnyzdH
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Michigan Rallies to Defeat No. 4 Arizona State - MGoBlue"
Post a Comment