The two-team expansion was not enough to keep the Michigan water polo team from dominating the six-team Fluid Four tournament. The eighth-ranked Wolverines (10-0 CWPA, 18-6 overall) continued their undefeated season against conference teams thanks to balanced play.

With redshirt senior starting goalie Brittany May again out with a shoulder injury, the Wolverines focused on defense. And it showed. Behind the goaltending of Morgan Turner and Alex Adamson, Michigan held Saturday opponents Wagner and Cal State East Bay to a total of five goals in Indianapolis.

“We played extremely well against Cal State East Bay who up until this week was ranked in the top twenty all season,” coach Matt Anderson said. “Adamson played very well. We were aggressive and hard-pressed in the first game and it showed.”

Michigan’s smothering defense and solid goaltending sparked a high-octane offense. In the Wolverines’ first game against Cal State East Bay, Adamson catalyzed several golden offensive opportunities on the counterattack. Her 10 saves led to several Wolverine breakaways and she tallied five assists.

With both opening day rivals employing the "drop" — a defensive strategy designed to force outside shooting by taking away the inside game — the Wolverines had to be especially aggressive on offense.

But while Michigan contested the drop in its first two games, the Wolverines struggled against Gannon on Sunday, giving up a 2-1 lead early.

“Saturday both Cal State East Bay and Wagner were dropping on us and we were shooting very well," Anderson said. “Today Gannon was dropping on us in the first half and we weren’t shooting very well. Against Cal State we were 16 of 26 shooting, which is amazing. Today we were 11 for 39 so you can see the difference. It’s the same as in basketball. If you watched West Virginia last night, Kentucky could not make an outside shot. That’s how we were this morning.”

It took a comeback and a little fourth-period magic, but Michigan was able to eke out a win over the Golden Knights. After falling behind, the Wolverine bench was able to tie the game at five with one period to play.

With the game tied, Anderson put in the starting line, which pulled away from Gannon, scoring six more to close out an 11-7 victory.

With the Fluid Four behind them, all eyes turn toward the April 3 matchup against No. 16 Indiana at the Canham Natatorium. It will be the first televised collegiate water polo game for the Wolverines.

“Next weekend is going to be exciting,” Anderson said. “We’re all pumped for next weekend — its part of the reason you look forward to the championship part of the season, so much rides on a game like that. It’s at home, Big Ten Network, going to be televised, so we’re excited.”