March 1, 2009
LEWISBURG, PA. - The University of Maryland women's water polo team rallied late to defeat Harvard, 11-7, and scare No. 14 Michigan, 9-8, at the Elite Six Invitational on Saturday.
While the Terps (8-5) five-goal third quarter against the Crimson proved decisive, their late onslaught versus the Wolverines ended fruitlessly.
Freshman phenom Elina Goldenberg scored five goals on the day, recording a hat trick against Harvard. Ashleigh Jobson stopped shots like a bodyguard, blocking ten attempts in the matinee and eleven in the nightcap.
The Terrapins struggled against the Crimson in the first half before pulling away in the third quarter, taking a 10-6 lead they wouldn't relinquish. Reigning CWPA Champion Michigan came out strong taking a 7-3 lead before Maryland came back to tighten the score.
"Michigan came ready to play from the beginning and played good hard water polo when we were off guard," said head coach Carl Salyer, "we scored some goals and had a chance, we just ran out of time at the end. We played a real tough game, we know we're capable of playing with them."
Elizabeth Hopkins, Rachel Jordan, and Shannon Simerly each scored three goals on the day, while Christine Goetsch and Meghan Powers added two for the Terps.
Maryland finishes up the Elite Six Invitational tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. against No. 15 Hartwick.
No. 20 Maryland 11, Harvard 7
Kinney Natatorium
1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
Maryland 2 3 5 1 11
Harvard 1 4 1 1 7
Maryland Goals: Goldenberg, 3; Hopkins, 2; Jordan, 2; Goetsch, 1; Simerly, 1; Powers, 1; Beck
Maryland Blocks: Jobson, 10; Reyes, 3
Harvard Goals Allowed: Jobson 7
No. 14 Michigan 9, No. 20 Maryland 8
Kinney Natatorium
1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
Michigan 3 2 2 2 9
Maryland 0 2 1 5 8
Maryland Goals: Simerly, 2; Goldenberg, 2; Hopkins, 1; Jordan, 1; Goetsch, 1; Powers, 1
Maryland Blocks: Jobson, 11
Michigan Goals Allowed: Jobson, 8; Reyes, 1
