BY CHARLES CLINTON
Daily Sports Writer
Published March 8, 2009
The Michigan water polo team knew it had to perform well in its first CWPA opening weekend in order to defend its eighth straight conference title.
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The Wolverines got out to big starts in all of its four games and won each by 13 goals or more. Michigan dominated Grove City, Washington and Jefferson, Chatham and Penn State-Behrend to start the conference season undefeated.
Michigan seized offensive momentum in each game and outscored their opponents 68-5. The Wolverines were led in scoring by freshmen Megan Cobb and Megan Mulder who scored a combined 10 goals on the day. Michigan never trailed at any point during any of the games, and there was only one period where the Wolverines didn't outscore their opponent.
“This weekend was an opportunity for everybody to get an opportunity to play and every player on the roster scored a goal today," Michigan coach Matt Anderson said. "Now we have to get ready for tough competition next weekend. I thought it was great that we had more steals than turnovers in every game, which is a key to winning. If you can hang onto the ball and force the other team to give it up, you’re gonna win.”
The Wolverines (4-0 CWPA, 15-8 overall) benefited from their extensive game experience so far this season. While Michigan has played 23 games so far this year, Grove City was the team with the second most games played with just five. Each of the other teams were just starting their seasons.
“The biggest thing we need to focus on is momentum," senior captain Mary Chatigny said. "We need to emphasize that we need to not get lax after being successful. We need to really focus on our press defense. We know our offense isn’t an issue, we can put the ball in the back of the net, it’s just that we have to go out there and press and not give them an inch, and go 100 percent on defense.”
This weekend the Wolverines will play seven games in three days. The weekends games include conference games against Gannon and Mercyhurst on Friday and five games during Saturday and Sunday's Wolverine Invitational at Canham Natatorium.
