ASU Water Polo: Sverchek and Koopman shine as Arizona State beat Indiana in back to back games

(Photo: Sun Devil Athletics)

Senior defender Katie Sverchek and freshman attacker Maud Koopman carried their team as No. 6 ranked ASU beat No. 14 ranked Indiana 10-5 in the first game and 13-8 in the second game.

Koopman recorded only one goal in the first game, but bounced back in the second game with four goals, while Sverchek broke even with two goals in each game.

“I thought there were some really good moments,” head coach Todd Clapper said. “Our defensive effort, particularly in the first half, was really good plus our offense came along. I felt like we got a little tired because we had a lead. We let some easier opportunities go, but its January and I am happy with where the team is.”

In the second game, the Sun Devils had a 3-0 lead after the first quarter, but Indiana bounced back with six goals in the second half. Although the Sun Devil defense struggled to keep a shutout, the offense remained consistent by scoring at least three goals in each quarter.

“In the second half of each game they [Indiana] were able to do some different things,” Clapper said. “Because it’s so early in the season we haven’t looked at a lot of different situations. They are dedicated to the tactics and going forward we’ll clean things up in film.”

The surprising play of the weekend came from Sverchek, whose four goals is already halfway to her season high total of eight goals last year

“She has just exploded as a player,” Clapper said. “There is no comparison to where she was in the past. In her third year she played guarding the center position, and now she is doing everything.”

With two wins under their belt, ASU will look to continue their momentum in the next tournament on February 13 and 14 at the Triton Invite in San Diego, California.

If you would like to contact Ryan Curry you can reach him on Twitter: @ryancurry25

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