Wolverines in Action: The Dynamic World of University of Michigan Athletics

FRESNO, Calif. — The University of Michigan water polo team, ranked No. 14, fell short in a tough 16-14 confrontation against No. 9 Fresno State during the opening day of Polo-Palooza at Fresno State Aquatics Center.

Freshman Ari Karampetsou made her debut for Michigan, contributing five points with four goals and one assist, spearheading the offensive push. Emma Gustafsson made an impact in her season debut, scoring three goals. Both Ashley O’Neill and Tilly Waugh scored twice to bolster the Wolverines’ offensive efforts.

Michigan (0-1) established an early three-goal advantage within the initial two minutes, thanks to goals from Karampetsou, O’Neill, and Sophia Panossian. Fresno State (1-0) swiftly equalized with four goals, momentarily taking the lead. However, the Maize and Blue regained control with scores from Karampetsou and Gustafsson, bringing the scoreboard to 5-4. The Bulldogs concluded the first quarter by scoring consecutively, ending with a 6-5 lead.

Fresno State opened the second quarter with another goal. Karampetsou added for the Wolverines, keeping the contest within one goal, at 7-6. The Bulldogs responded yet again, but Kasey Umlauf and Gustafsson quickly scored two goals to level the match at eight. Both teams exchanged goals to maintain the tie. In the dying seconds of the half, Fresno State managed to score, taking a 9-8 advantage.

After the teams exchanged goals in the first minute of the third quarter, Fresno State scored two consecutive goals, leading the game 13-10 in their favor. The Wolverines then embarked on a 3-0 surge to equalize, with Waugh netting two goals and Brooke Ingram adding another. The match entered its final eight minutes locked at 13.

O’Neill netted her second goal of the evening at 5:00 in the fourth quarter, putting the Wolverines ahead 14-13. The Bulldogs countered by scoring three consecutive goals, sealing the game with a final score of 16-14.

The Wolverines will continue to the second day of Polo-Palooza, set to compete against No. 18 San Jose State on Saturday (Jan. 18) at 1:30 p.m. PST at the Fresno State Aquatics Center.