Meadows Steals Show in IU Win

3/9/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The No. 12 Indiana University women's water polo team concluded its first of two CWPA conference weekends Sunday, with a 14-0 shutout victory over Washington & Jefferson.

"I am impressed by the ability of the team to rebound from a disappointing loss last night," head coach Barry King said. "We stayed focused and played aggressive throughout the game today. Clare Meadows played really well today. She is starting to show signs of what an exceptionally good defender she can be."

The shutout against the Presidents marks only the second ever against varsity teams for IU in school history.  Indiana recorded its first shutout last season against Cal-Baptist, 7-0.

Indiana now stands 12-5 on the year and 3-1 in conference play.

Freshman Clare Meadows literally stole the show for the Hoosiers.  The Mission Viejo, Calif., native tied a school record with nine steals, marking the first time a Hoosier as accomplished the feat since Kara Fellerhoff in April of 1999.

"I feel like my defense is getting better," Meadows said. "I am just trying to anticipate the pass and get in the passing lanes."

Senior Sarah Butler led the scoring attack for the Hoosiers with three goals on four shots.  Seniors Ginger Wang and Kristin Stanford, and junior Kristy Streefkerk, each scored two goals for Indiana.  Melissa Pietras, Courtney Livak, Sharna Nelson, Courtney Thom and Clare Meadows all netted one goal each on Sunday.

Stanford not only scored two goals in the game but also contributed to the Hoosier shutout in the cage as well.  Replacing goalie Jessica Goldner, who left with two saves on as many shots, Stanford stopped 5-of-5 shots in her goalkeeping debut.

Sophomore Krista Peterson was the lone Hoosier kept out of the pool Sunday, as she was recovering from injuries sustained in Saturday night's double-overtime loss to Michigan.  The Portland, Ore., native suffered a cut and bruising under her right eye, and received two stitches in her upper lip.

On the day, Indiana was a perfect 7-of-7 in goal, and 14-of-31 from the field.

The Hoosiers will begin their Spring Break trip Friday, March 14, at No.9 UC-San Diego.  Indiana will then be on the road for six games during the trip, making stops at Redlands, No.7 San Diego State, No. 19 Arizona State and finishing with No. 6 Loyola Marymount.