Indiana University Athletics
HOOSIERS CLAIM MIDWEST CHAMPIONSHIP
4/19/1998 12:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
HOOSIERS CLAIM MIDWEST CHAMPIONSHIP
IU defeats Michigan 5-4 in dramatic finale
Bloomington, Ind.- The Indiana women's water polo team claimed its first Midwest Regional Championship after defeating Miami of Ohio 14-2 in the semi-final and Michigan 5-4 in the championship. The Hoosiers improve to 26-5-1 on the season.
The Hoosiers began the final day of the Midwest Regional with a look of determination. They immediately jumped on Miami of Ohio 3-0 after the first period and found themselves on top 8-1 at the mid-point. Freshman Meredith Cravens was the Hoosiers' key offensive factor with three goals and two assists. Freshman Sheri Fagley added another two goals with sophomore Kara Fellerhoff adding another goal and seven steals.
Indiana would look to make history in the final of the Midwest Regional Championships. Not only had the Hoosiers never claimed the team title, but the Hoosiers had never defeated the Michigan Wolverines during their first year as a varsity sport nor during their time as a club team. The Hoosiers looked to change this jumping on Michigan 4-0 in the first period. Graduate student Amy Pankoke had two goals early for the Hoosiers to put them on the board. Sophomore Deb Simone added another two goals, an assist, and three steals. Simone's second goal came with 0.37 seconds remaining in the first period.
The Wolverines would come back tying the game at four with 6:05 remaining in the fourth period. Sophomore Kara Fellerhoff put the nail in the coffin with a go ahead goal with 1:59 remaining in regulation. Senior goalie Kate Toole had twelve saves to shut down several Wolverine attacks.
Simone was rewarded for her excellent play being named first team all-tournament in addition to Midwest Regional Most Valuable Player. Toole and Cravens rounded out the list of Hoosiers on the all-tournament team. Toole was named to the first team, Cravens was named to the second team.
The Hoosiers have the next couple of weeks off to prepare for this year's
National Championships to be hosted by the University of Southern California.
Action is set to go from May 8-10.
Go back to the top.
