On Wednesday, No. 15 UC San Diego women’s water polo (7-7, 2-1 Big West) fell short against No. 11 Michigan (13-7, 3-0 CWPA), losing 10-7 at Canyonview Aquatic Center.
The Tritons came into the game with two consecutive conference wins, looking to extend their win streak against a formidable opponent. Michigan entered with a 3-0 CWPA record, giving the Tritons the ability to measure their skills in a tough interconference match before continuing Big West play.
This challenge became apparent early on, with Michigan setting the tone by opening the first quarter with a power-play goal. The Tritons struggled to adjust to the Wolverines’ rapid ball movement in the opening minutes; Michigan’s suffocating interior defense forced the Tritons into unsuccessful lob attempts.
Despite their early struggles, the Tritons’ defense was instrumental in stopping the Wolverines for most of the game. UCSD amassed eight shot attempts to Michigan’s four early on by consistently forcing Wolverine turnovers. The Tritons’ efforts eventually led to senior attacker Sofia Munatones slamming a bar-in goal, closing Michigan’s lead to 2-1.
The Tritons’ offense continued to struggle in the second quarter. As UCSD moved the ball to the center, the Wolverines’ stifling defense collapsed on the Tritons’ centers, forcing key turnovers. These misplays eventually led the Tritons to trail by three goals late in the half. Aiming to turn the tide, freshman attacker Caitlin Stayt converted two power plays to fire up the Tritons’ offensive engine. After drawing a foul, the Tritons’ quick offensive transition found Stayt in the perimeter, where she drilled in two goals in under a minute. The crowd roared as the Tritons closed the half down 5-4.
“The fourth goal was sort of a momentum shift for us as a team,” Stayt said in a postgame interview with The UCSD Guardian. “[We had more] hope and a game plan entering the second half.”
This momentum continued early in the second half, with freshman attacker Kendra Ammon tying the game with a precise shot that blew past Michigan’s goalie. However, the Wolverines responded with three consecutive goals to retake the lead. Despite the Tritons’ defensive efforts, which forced three Wolverine turnovers, Michigan’s efficient performance from the Tritons’ 2-meter zone helped it end the third quarter with a 9-6 lead.
Both teams’ defenses continued to clash in the fourth quarter, with neither side scoring for the first five minutes. Michigan continued to turn the ball over to the Tritons’ perimeter defense, while UCSD was unable to drive within the Wolverines’ 2-meter zone. Despite a late Stayt goal, UCSD’s comeback effort fell short as the Wolverines claimed a 10-7 victory.
“I think we really need to prove ourselves as a team to be taken seriously in the Big West,” Stayt said. “We’re going with the intention to win. … That’ll be a really good test for us.”
The Tritons face Hawai’i to resume conference play this Saturday at Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex in Manoa.
