Final Score: Shana Welch 13, Michigan’s opponents 13.
The freshman water polo standout had a breakout weekend for the
No. 8 Wolverines at the Pomona Invitational in California, leading
her team to a tournament sweep and a 35-13 overall margin of
victory.
Michigan easily defeated Santa Clara 8-3 and host Pomona 9-2
yesterday, with Welch contributing seven of her 13 weekend goals in
yesterday’s contests. On Saturday, Michigan took care of
business as well, defeating Wagner 12-5 and No. 19 Cal. Baptist by
a 6-3 margin.
“This is the first tournament where (Shana) has really
gotten a lot of playing time,” Michigan coach Matt Anderson
said. “She’s definitely going to be a force at the
college level.”
Welch should have no problem finding increased playing time
after this weekend’s performance, and she has definitely
proven that she can put the ball in the net seemingly at will.
Goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong also turned in a strong performance
for the Wolverines (19-7 overall, 3-0 CWPA).
“(Betsey is the reason) why we are where we are,”
Anderson said. “It allows us to play strong defense when you
have the best goalie in college playing on your team. Our success
starts with defense, and that starts with the person in the cage,
Betsey. I would hate to think where we would be without her at this
point in the year.”
Armstrong’s success has not gone unnoticed, as she was
recently named the Central Water Polo Association’s Western
Division Player of the Week for the third time already this
season.
Anderson had even more to be excited about following
Michigan’s California weekend.
“This weekend gave me a chance to try different
combinations in the pool,” Anderson said. “We were able
to get some sun and do some things offensively and defensively to
get ready for the final three weeks of the season, and see what we
want to go with now that we’re hitting the stretch
run.”
Next weekend, Michigan will take a break from the West Coast and
travel to Pennsylvania to compete at the CWPA League Tournament.
With five contests on the slate and a heap of confidence under her
belt, Welch will undoubtedly be gunning for an even bigger
weekend.