Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
San Diego State
No. 18 Indiana Hangs Tough, Loses to No. 5 SDSU
3/22/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
March 22, 2009
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Sophomore Lauren Wyckoff tallied two goals for No. 18 Indiana (12-12, 4-0 CWPA West), but No. 5 San Diego State came out on top, 9-6, in an intense battle between two talented teams in the Hoosiers’ final game at the Aztec Invitational.
Indiana led late in the first half, 2-0, before the Aztecs came alive with two late goals to knot things up heading into halftime. The second half was back and forth, with both teams trading goals throughout the third quarter.
San Diego State took control of the game late in the third quarter and early in the fourth with a three goal run to take an 8-4 lead. Wyckoff scored both of her goals late in the fourth period, but it was too late for an Indiana rally.
“We played well against another very talented team,” said Indiana head coach Barry King. “We can take away a lot of positives from this weekend.”
Freshman Jakie Köhli got the Hoosiers off to a quick start when she converted on a breakaway goal 56 seconds into the game. Rock solid Indiana defense held the Aztecs in check for the rest of the quarter.
Köhli found fellow freshman Kristin Harmidy on the right side for a goal to put the Hoosiers up by two in the second period. Indiana would maintain this lead until SDSU scored on a five meter penalty shot, as well as a post-up score to tie the game at halftime.
The Aztecs took their first lead of the game early in the third quarter when they converted on a six on five goal to make it 3-2. Junior Kelly Palmberg answered back for Indiana with a leaning goal after an assist by sophomore Kelsey Campbell. San Diego State would then score two goals to take a 5-3 lead with under two minutes remaining in the third.
Senior Maggie Hannon nailed a backhand post-up goal after an assist by sophomore Kara Butler to pull the Hoosiers within one. The Aztecs would come back to score the next three goals, including two early in the fourth quarter to make it an 8-4 San Diego State advantage.
Wyckoff scored on a tip after a setup pass by Köhli to pull Indiana within three. The Aztecs countered with a quick goal from long range 18 seconds later. The final goal of the game was scored by Wyckoff at the top of the key with an assist from Palmberg.
Freshman Cassie Wyckoff got the start at goalkeeper and recorded 13 saves on 29 shots, to go along with three steals.
Sophomore Nicole Redder grabbed a team-high three steals against the Aztecs, and she racked up a total of 12 takeaways throughout the weekend.
Indiana will be back in action on March 28-29 as they host the Fluid Four in Bloomington, Ind.
