Michigan Defeats Bucknell to Open Aztec Invitational on Winning Note

Friday, March 14

San Diego, Calif.

1:30 PM PT

Michigan

8-5

Bucknell

10-7

Michigan

Bucknell

Emma Gustafsson (Michigan Photography)

Michigan Defeats Bucknell to Open Aztec Invitational on Winning Note

3/14/2025 7:23:00 PM | Water Polo

Box Score Boxscore: #16 Michigan 16, Bucknell 13

By: Sydney Miller

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- The No. 16-ranked University of Michigan water polo team opened the Aztec Invitational on Friday (March 14) securing a hard-fought 16-13 victory over Bucknell, controlling the game from the opening whistle and fending off a late push from the Bison at the Aztec Aquaplex.

Ari Karampetsou led Michigan (8-5) with her sixth hat trick of the season, while Ashely O'Neill, Emma Gustafsson, and Lulu Hirshfield each contributed a pair of goals to fuel the Wolverines' offensive attack.

The Maize and Blue set the tone early, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Karampetsou and Gustafsson. Bucknell responded, briefly tying the game at two, but the Wolverines took over. O'Neill, Hirschfield, Sophia Panossian, and Kasey Umlauf spearheaded a four-goal surge that gave Michigan a commanding 6-2 lead. Karampetsou picked up her second goal of the game to give the Wolverines a 7-3 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

U-M maintained its offensive pressure, extending its lead to 10-3 with goals from Gustafsson, Karampetsou and Maiken Pardon. Though Bucknell attempted to claw back, Michigan stayed in control, as Issy Jackson and Tilly Waugh added goals to send the Wolverines into halftime with a 12-6 cushion.

The Bison tightened their defense in the third quarter, limiting Michgan's opportunities and adding four goals of their own. Hirschfield and Jordan Schneider delivered timely goals to keep U-M ahead 14-10 heading into the final period.

Jillian Schlom and O'Neill added early goals in the fourth to give Michigan a six-goal lead. A late charge from the Bison cut the deficit to three, but Michigan's defense held strong in the closing minutes to secure the victory.

Michigan looks to build on its momentum with a challenging doubleheader on Saturday (March 15). U-M will take on No. 2 USC at 1:30 p.m. PT at the Aztec Aquaplex and then battle No. 11 UC San Diego at 6 p.m. PT at the Canyonview Aquatic Center. The Wolverines' game against the Tritons will be streamed live on ESPN+.