Michigan Falls to No. 7 Fresno State at Polopalooza in Season Opener

Friday, January 16

Fresno, Calif.

6:30 PM PT

Michigan

0-1, 0-0

Fresno State

1-0, 0-0

Michigan

Fresno State

Emma Gustafsson (Michigan Photography)

Michigan Falls to No. 7 Fresno State at Polopalooza in Season Opener

1/16/2026 11:59:00 PM | Water Polo

Box Score

By: Kaylie Karsch

FRESNO, Calif. -- The No. 15-ranked University of Michigan water polo team opened its season at Fresno State's Polopalooza on Friday (Jan. 16). The Wolverines kept the contest close throughout, but could not capitalize on scoring opportunities, falling 11-9 to the host No. 7-ranked Bulldogs at the Fresno State Aquatics Center.

Harriet Dickens recorded three points, the team-high, scoring once and dishing out two assists. Seniors Brooke Ingram and Issy Jackson led the team in scoring, each with a pair of goals, while sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Bunnell recorded 12 saves in net for U-M.

The Wolverines (0-1) started strong when Abby Schulz found the back of the net, taking the lead just 40 seconds into the opening period. Fresno State (1-0) responded with three goals, heading into the second period with a two-score lead.

The second period started with another Fresno State goal; however, Michigan quickly responded by scoring three in a row. Each goal was scored by a different Wolverine, with Ingram, Emilia Mladjan and Jackson finding the back of the net, respectively, to tie the match at four. After a scrappy second period and two more goals from the Bulldogs, the second half concluded with Michigan down 6-4.

The second half began with Emma Gustafsson cutting the lead to one, but the Fresno State offense was hard to stop. The Bulldogs went on to score four in the third period, maintaining their lead heading into the fourth.

The Wolverines chased the lead in the closing period, but fell just short of the Bulldogs. Jackson was the first on the board in the fourth, shortly followed by Ingram, both notching their second goals of the night, closing the U-M deficit to 10-8. Fresno State scored once more, boosting its lead by one, which was quickly matched by Ari Karampetsou, but the Wolverines could not complete the comeback as the Bulldogs sealed the win.

The Wolverines will continue play at Polopalooza at 12:30 p.m. PT on Saturday (Jan. 17) against No. 5 Cal at the Fresno State Aquatics Center. The matchup will be streamed live on Overnght.