Hoosiers earn top seed in weekend meet

The IU water polo team is undefeated in conference play, and it’s riding a seven-game winning streak.\nIU’s last game was an emotional overtime victory against rival Michigan. But heading into the Western Division Championships this weekend in Ann Arbor, Mich., none of it matters.\n“The juniors on this team are 21-0 in conference play but 0-2 in the divisional tourney,” IU coach Barry King said. “We will be taking the one-game-at-a-time approach.” \nAs a result of their undefeated conference record, the Hoosiers (15-12) are the No. 1 seed in the tournament. They have two games Saturday, the first against Penn State-Behrend. If they win their first two contests, the Hoosiers will play in the championship match Sunday, with an opportunity to advance to the Collegiate Water Polo Association Eastern Championships on the line. \nAs the No. 1 seed, the Hoosiers are technically the favorites. But King said he doesn’t truly view his team in that regard.\n“I think us and Michigan are so close,” King said. “We’re not the favorites, but I don’t think we’re the underdogs.”\nIn seven conference games, the Hoosiers won four by 10 goals or more. They defeated first-round opponent Penn State-Behrend 17-1 in their lone contest. Despite their recent hot streak, the Hoosiers claim they won’t be caught off-guard by a lower seed.\n“We’re not cocky,” senior attacker Jaclyn Tameris said. “We never look past teams.”\nOne area of their game the Hoosiers have been working on is their counter attack. King said it’s an aspect of the game IU can use to exploit other teams in the tournament.\n“Our counter attack is more gravy than anything else.” King said. “We’re good in the half court. That’s our bread and butter. But if we can get some easy touches, that will certainly help us.”\nWhile the Hoosiers plan on taking one game at a time, the thought of a championship showdown against No. 19 Michigan is looming. The Wolverines are the No. 2 seed, and the two schools are the only teams in the tournament this year that have defeated the other.\nSenior center Claire Nicholson acknowledged how enticing it is to look ahead to the potential rubber match. \n“It’s very tempting,” Nicholson said. “But we take every team we play seriously.”