The Wake

A wave of splashes rippled through the pool at the University Aquatic Center Saturday, October 18 as the men’s water polo team took control of the ball early in the first period of the Division Championships 4th place game versus Iowa State. Amidst the splashes, Iowa’s defense couldn’t hold up captain Chris Hasling. He ducked his head in the water, quickly swam around the defense and went for the kill. The ball flew past the Iowa goalie and Hasling had the game’s first goal.

Minnesota had the upper hand throughout, defeating Iowa 5-3 to claim fourth place in the Division Championship. It was the second year in a row the Gophers finished the Division in fourth.

A day earlier, the Gophers lost to South Dakota in their first game 10-3. Saturday’s second game against Nebraska came down to a buzzer beater. With seconds left on the clock in the fourth period, goalie Mike Bauer, threw the ball the length of the pool to teammate Nathaniel Winter who swatted the ball in for the win. The last minute victory propelled the team to beat Kansas 13-3 Sunday morning.

Keeping the team afloat this year hasn’t been an easy task. All of last year’s starters have left the University. This year’s team is much smaller and younger, the players say.

“The team needs more players,” said Jeff Remakeo, a first year player. “Come out and learn about the water polo experience.”

Despite a second straight fourth place finish, Chris Hasling is looking forward to scrimmages and tournaments in the spring.

Western Illinois won the Division Championship beating Washington, 8-7, landing them a spot in the National Championship in Texas.