Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Pacific
No. 19 Indiana Edges Pacific
3/1/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
March 1, 2009
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - In a tale of two halves, the No. 19 Indiana Hoosiers (4-6) prevailed against Pacific, 7-6, for their third consecutive win at the UC Santa Cruz Slugfest. The first half was jam packed with offensive production, while the second was a defensive struggle for both teams.
"I'm pleased with the win," said Indiana head coach Barry King. "We executed well and made a play late in the game when we needed it."
The back and forth first half began with Pacific connecting for a goal halfway through the opening period, followed by a goal on a six on five opportunity to take a 2-0 lead. The Hoosiers found the net before the end of the quarter when Nicole Sands delivered a pass to the middle that Kara Butler turned into a goal.
The high scoring second quarter featured a total of nine goals between the two teams. Kelsey Campbell converted on a Hoosier power play after an assist from Nicole Redder less than a minute into the quarter to knot the game at 2-2. Pacific countered with some scoring of their own with two goals, a lob and a backhand that gave them a 4-2 lead.
A Pacific turnover led to a Redder goal with 5:08 remaining in the first half to make it a 4-3 Pacific advantage. Pacific followed that up by converting on one of their three six on five chances in the second quarter.
The Hoosiers then launched a three goal rally in a two minute span to take their first lead of the game, 6-5 with two minutes left in the half. The scores included Campbell from long range for her second of the game, and Moore on a long lob shot. Also, Jakie Kohli converted after a long pass from goalkeeper Cassie Wyckoff.
Pacific finished the whirlwind of a second quarter with a lob that found the net to tie the score at 6-6.
The second half featured some questionable calls as Indiana could not earn a kickout the rest of the game. The game remained tied heading into the final period, as both teams were shutout in the third.
Midway through the final quarter, Redder broke the second half scoring drought as she connected on a crucial goal from deep after a pass from Campbell. That goal and the stingy second half Hoosier defense proved to be the difference, as Indiana held on 7-6.
There were numerous standout defensive efforts against Pacific. Kohli and Moore finished the game with five steals each, while Redder snagged four.
Wyckoff made her sixth start of the season in goal, and finished with four saves, an assist, and a steal.
The Hoosiers will be back in action on Sunday as they wrap up the UC Santa Cruz Slugfest against Santa Clara at 9:45 a.m. PT/ 12:45 p.m. ET.
