When Brittany May took her place in the cage for the Michigan women’s water polo team three years ago, she was expected to follow in the footsteps of Michigan legend Betsey Armstrong.

Following Armstrong, now the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. women’s national team, wouldn't be easy. But in her three years in Ann Arbor, May has established herself as one of the great all-time Michigan goalkeepers alongside Armstrong.

In just three seasons, May has shot toward the top of nearly every Michigan goalkeeping record. She is second in career wins with 51, second in career saves with 467 and third and fourth all time in goals-against average and save percentage, respectively.

The goalie's strong play in the cage has been rewarded with spots on the CWPA All-Western Division First Team in both of the past two years. More importantly, the team has found success in her time in net, winning two-straight CWPA Eastern Championships and earning sixth and fifth place in the last two NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championships.

Unfortunately, May’s senior year has been noticeably different from her first two years in Ann Arbor. After a strong start against tough opponents, including helping achieve a historic win over then- No. 3 Hawaii, May’s season has been hampered by injury.

“It’s been hard having it be my senior year and not playing as much,” May said.

But even with her reduced role, the team has still been strong. Freshman goalkeeper Alex Adamson and sophomore Morgan Turner have delivered clutch wins all season, including Adamson’s three wins over rival Indiana and Turner’s win over then-No. 13 San Diego State.

“It’s been really nice to have amazing goalies to be able to come in and totally step up,” May said. “It really makes you (aware) about how much of a team we are."

In yesterday’s CWPA Western Division championship game against Indiana, Adamson showed what May means when she talks about amazing goalies. Not only was Adamson able to make seven saves and earn the victory, she also showcased great decision-making skills.

On multiple occasions, Adamson made quick outlet passes to her teammates after making the save, resulting in breakaway chances the Wolverine offense needed when Indiana’s defense made it difficult to run set plays.

When it comes to her performance in goal, though, Adamson echoes May’s feelings about the team as a whole.

“When things don’t go well offensively, the sign of a great team is that they come back and play great defense,” Adamson said.

Additionally, Adamson believes that the team’s strong play on defense is responsible for lessening the pressure she feels in big games and allowing her to continue her strong play.

"The team and the way the defense plays sets the tone for how I play,” Adamson said. “They have been coming out in all these games and kicking butt. When they go out with that intensity, it is easy for me to feed off of what they are doing."

For May, watching the success of freshmen like Adamson and Kiki Golden, another star performer from yesterday's win, shows just how far this program has come in three years.

“We had thirteen freshman come this year and so many of them were walk-ons,” May said. “It just shows that everyone wants to come play for Michigan.”