Karjala Receives CWPA Player of the Week Honor
4/3/2001 12:00:00 AM | Water Polo
NORRISTOWN, Pa. -- University of Michigan senior Melissa Karjala (Ann Arbor, Mich./Huron HS) was named the Collegiate Water Polo Association's Player of the Week (March 19-25) for her performance at the Southern Division Tournament on March 24-25 in Ann Arbor, Mich. Karjala helped the Maize and Blue remain undefeated in division play with a 4-0 weekend.
During the four-game weekend, Karjala proved threatening on both ends of the pool, contributing heavily on both offense and defense. In the opening game against Slippery Rock University, Karjala shot 75 percent, scoring three goals and accounting for three steals. She notched one goal and two drawn ejections in the first overtime win against Indiana University (March 24).
Karjala stepped up once again during the March 25 rematch with Indiana, hitting three goals, including the game-tying score that forced overtime. In the final game against Slippery Rock, Karjala did everything in pairs, drawing two ejections as well as accounting for a two steals and two goals.
With her nine goals, the team tri-captain led all tournament participants in goals scored. On the season, she leads Michigan's roster in goals scored, accounting for 27. She also holds school records for goals scored in a single game (6 vs. Massachusetts, March 31) and most hat tricks (3).
The Wolverines will travel to Grove City, Pa., to compete in the Southern Division Championships on April 6-7. The Maize and Blue, holding an undefeated 8-0 record in division play, will compete against the rest of the division to gain one of four spots to the Eastern Championships on April 27-28 in Providence, R.I.
Contact: Valerie Perkin (734) 763-4423
