Wolverines Split Day One at Conference Crossover

Saturday, April 5

Ann Arbor, Mich.

1:30 PM

Michigan

15-8

Mercyhurst

5-21

Mercyhurst

Michigan

Matilda Waugh (Michigan Photography)

4/5/2025 9:08:00 PM | Water Polo

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 PDF Boxscore (Mercyhurst)PDF Boxscore (Princeton)Photo Gallery Photo Gallery 2

By: Sydney Miller

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 16-ranked University of Michigan water polo team delivered a commanding performance on Saturday (April 5) during day one of the Conference Crossover at Canham Natatorium, opening the day with a 24-2 win over Mercyhurst before battling No. 11 Princeton to the wire in a thrilling 9-8 loss.

The Wolverines got key contrubitions from the freshman class, led by Matilda Waugh, who had an impressive outing, scoring five goals and adding two assists across the two games. Ari Karampetsou also tallied four goals and five assists, aiding Michigan's attack in both the Mercyhurst (5-21) and Princeton (17-6) matchups. Freshman goalkeeper Sophia Bunnell played 40 minutes in net, recording 17 saves and providing a steady presence in goal.

From the opening sprint in game one, Michigan (15-9) took command. Waugh ignited the scoring just 23 seconds into the game and capped the quarter with another goal to make it 9-0. Karampetsou, Issy Jackson and Maiken Pardon each tallied two goals in the opening frame, while Sophia Panossian added a strike of her own. Defensively, the Wolverines shut down Mercyhurst, allowing no quality chances.

The offensive pressure continued into the second quarter, with seven different Wolverines contributing to the scoresheet. Lulu Hirschfield and Emma Gustafsson each netted a pair of goals, and Jackson completed her hat trick midway through the frame. Although Mercyhurst managed to sneak in two goals, Michigan responded with relentless pressure and took a commanding 15-2 lead into halftime.

Michigan's defense tightened up even further in the third, holding Mercyhurst scoreless while extending the lead. Harriet Dickens provided a spark with back-to-back goals, and Ashley O'Neill converted a penalty to keep the offense rolling. Jordan Schneider added her name to the scoresheet, helping push the lead to 20-2 heading into the final frame.

U-M closed out the contest with four more unanswered goals and another defensive shutout. Waugh and Dickens each found the back of the net again, Gustafsson secured her hat trick, and freshman Abby Schulz added her first goal of the day. In the cage, Katie Delaney anchored the Michigan defense, tallying eight saves over three periods to help secure the 24-2 win.

In game two, Michigan opened with a strong defensive effort, forcing Princeton into tough looks early. Karampetsou netted the Wolverines' lone goal of the quarter, countering Princeton's opening strikes. Despite a few early exclusions, Michigan held tight, with Bunnell making key saves to keep it close. Princeton edged ahead 2-1 after the first eight minutes.

The Wolverines found their rhythm offensively in the second. Karampetsou converted a penalty to tie it, and goals from Waugh and Hirschfield powered Michigan to a 4-3 lead by halftime. The defense remained aggressive, forcing Princeton into rushed possessions and limiting their power play success.

The pace intensified in the third quarter as both teams traded goals. Waugh continued her standout performance with her second goal of the night, while Jackson added a key equalizer late in the frame. Princeton regained a slim lead, 6-5, but Michigan stayed within striking distance.

Michigan showcased its resilience in the final period. Panossian and O'Neill each found the back of the net to knot the game at 8-8 with just under two minutes to play. However, a late penalty drawn by Princeton led to the deciding goal with just 29 seconds remaining. Despite a final push, Michigan could not find the equalizer in the closing moments, ending the game with a 9-8 final in favor of the Tigers.

The Maize and Blue will return to action at Canham Natatorium on Sunday, April 6, for day two of the Conference Crossover, starting with a noon matchup against No. 20 Brown to celebrate Michigan's seniors, followed by a 3 p.m. showdown against St. Francis. Michigan's games will be streamed on B1G+.