The Michigan water polo team’s final regular season home game of the season on March 20 — a 12-2 victory against California Lutheran — was preceded by a sentimental tribute to the team’s graduating players. But the Wolverine seniors — including Jo Antonsen, Betsey Armstrong, Vicky Brown, Erin Brown, Rebecca Godek, Sheetal Narsai and Meg Knudsten — didn’t get too caught up in the occasion because they believe they haven’t played their final games in Ann Arbor.

On May 13-15, Michigan will host this year’s NCAA women’s Water Polo Championship for the first time in school history, and this year’s squad has reason to believe that they should contend for a berth in the prestigious tournament.

“Senior Night didn’t really kick in for us,” senior striker Knudsten said. “Even though it was our last regular season home game, we anticipate that we’ll be back in our pool mid-May for our real last home games — in the NCAA Championship.”

A main reason for the team’s confidence is the Wolverines’ strong senior class, which has amassed an impressive overall record of 91-40 over four years and has won three College Water Polo Association Championships in the process.

Though the group has enjoyed great success, one goal has eluded them: an NCAA Championship.

The No. 13 Wolverines (6-1 CWPA, 17-10 overall) have played well thus far, and, in the final few weeks, they will have their eyes fixed on their ultimate goal.

“The NCAA Championship is always in the back of our minds,” Knudsten said. “The last two years, we’ve been favored to win but have come up short, so we’re really hungry.”

Coach Matt Anderson — who was honored as National Water Polo Coach of the Year in 2004 — explained that this year’s seniors share a close bond that helps them during games.

“They came into a program that had only been around for one year and never competed within the group,” Anderson said. “They get along so well inside and outside of the pool that they live together, socialize together and even travel around the world together.”

The players themselves agree.

“Our friendships outside of the water definitely translate to great team chemistry in it,” Knudsten said.

Of course, a little talent can’t hurt either.

This group of seniors includes Armstrong — a goalkeeper who was last year’s Division I MVP and runner-up for National Player of the Year — and a wealth of talent at the field positions.

These experienced players know that the road ahead will be a tough one. In order to gain a berth in the tournament, the team must close out the season in Bloomington on April 29-31 by winning the East Championship, which should include a rematch with rival Indiana in its home pool.

“We foresee a championship game with Indiana, but we don’t overlook any team,” Knudsten said. “Still, the Hoosiers have beaten us twice this year, and we’re hungry for revenge.”

Having never lost to No. 9 Indiana before this year, the seniors know their great potential and want to capitalize on it.

“We don’t talk about the NCAA Championship all that much, but they know,” Anderson said. “They’re seniors, and they know what they have to do. It’s a lot easier to walk away with a good memory than with a bad one.”