Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
US Junior National Team
No. 18 Indiana Edged by Team USA
2/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
Feb. 9, 2009
PALO ALTO, Calif. - The No. 18 Indiana women's water polo team got off to a quick start against the US Junior National team, but it was not enough as Team USA controlled the game in the second half to defeat the Hoosiers, 6-5. The game is considered an exhibition and will not count towards the team's official record and statistics.
"It was a tough loss, but I think we can take some things away from it and improve," Indiana head coach Barry King said. "We played a lot of very solid teams this weekend, and we have to use this experience as we go through the season."
Sophomore Kelsey Campbell put the Hoosiers on the board less than a minute into the first quarter, when she got behind the Team USA defense and converted from a long assist by senior Maggie Hannon. The Hoosiers then increased their lead to 2-0, as sophomore Nicole Redder passed to fellow sophomore Amy Moore for the goal as the shot clock expired.
Team USA converted on a power play goal late in the first period, followed by another score from the right wing to even the score heading into the second quarter.
Indiana jumped right back on top by two goals after Redder scored mid-way through the second period, as well as Campbell tallying her second goal of the contest on a follow-up shot from close range. Team USA cut into the lead with only 29 seconds remaining in the half, with a backhand goal to leave the Hoosiers with a 4-3 lead heading into the break.
Team USA took that momentum and carried it over into the second half, scoring two goals in the third period to take their first lead of the game, 5-4. The Hoosiers offense stalled throughout the second half, as their only goal came from sophomore Kate Dunn late in the third quarter during a six on five opportunity. Dunn's score tied the game heading into the final eight minutes of play.
The final quarter featured only one goal, with that coming from Team USA scoring with just under seven minutes to play. The Hoosiers attempted to mount a rally, but ultimately Team USA would not relinquish their 6-5 lead.
Freshman Cassie Wyckoff made her third start of the Stanford Invite, and finished the game with seven saves and three steals for Indiana.
Indiana will return to action on February 28, at the UC Santa Cruz Slugfest.
