IU falls to Michigan in championship

Sunday was the second time this season the No. 10 IU water polo team faced Michigan in a post-season tournament championship game. It was the second time IU lost. \nLast weekend the Hoosiers lost the Collegiate Water Polo Association Division Tournament champion game to the Wolverines, 11-10 in overtime. This weekend, they lost in the CWPA Eastern Conference championship game to Michigan, 8-7.\nThe game was a classic IU-Michigan battle. For the fourth time in as many contests this season it was a back and forth game which was again decided by one goal. Michigan jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period. IU responded with its first goal near the end of the period, then tied the game early in the second. Michigan quickly regained its two goal lead. The Hoosiers and Wolverines traded goals to end the half and Michigan led by two at recess. IU controlled the third period, tying the game with two goals and shutting out the Wolverines. In the fourth period, Michigan resumed a two goal lead, but evened the score again with less than three minutes remaining in the game. Michigan scored again with under two minutes to go. This time IU was unable to respond, as its season came to an end.\n"I was very proud of the way the ladies battled back after being down by two goals on three different occasions," said IU coach Barry King. "It was a typical Indiana-Michigan affair that was decided by a few fortunate breaks one way or the other. It just did not go our way today."\nThe Hoosiers reached the final game in dramatic fashion on Saturday. In another one-goal decision IU overcame Hartwick College 7-6. \n"I was pleased that we did the things well that we prepared for," King said. "I thought it was an incredibly hard-fought game. We did a good job of taking away the things that they are known for. We played very well defensively."\nIU easily defeated George Washington University 11-4 in the first round Saturday morning. The Colonials scored the first goal of the game, but the Hoosiers responded with six unanswered goals. The Hoosiers moved to 6-0 all-time against George Washington. \n"I am happy with how we played this weekend," senior goalie Jessica Goldner said. "I really wish we had won but it didn't work out in our favor. Everybody played hard. We were down a few times and managed to keep coming back. I am so proud of this team. Everyone was amazing."\nWith the loss, the book closed on the careers of Goldner and fellow seniors Krista Peterson and Kandace Waldthaler. Goldner finishes with the school record for goals saved and third in save percentage. Peterson led the team in scoring this season and ranks second on the IU all-time scoring list. Waldthaler finished her career with four straight hat tricks. \n-- Contact Staff Writer Steve Brennan at sgbrenna@indiana.edu.