Bellevue edged 9-8 in 2OT vs Roosevelt

After a weekend of close games, few could have predicted another one against Roosevelt. After all, North Division-leading Roosevelt was undefeated in league play and had dominated the Wolverines earlier in the year. Instead, the Wolverines turned in their finest performance of the season and nearly shocked the Washington water polo world, losing 9-8 in a thrilling double-overtime contest that ended in a penalty shoot-out.

Led by freshman Maggie Ugelstad’s five-goal breakout performance, the Wolverines started strong and jumped out to an early 3-1 first-quarter lead. Both teams scored three second quarter goals, allowing the Wolverines to enter halftime leading 6-4. In the third, both teams mustered one goal. But in the fourth quarter, Roosevelt’s experience and leadership came through, as senior Mirei Yasuda scored two goals and assisted on another to force overtime.

Bellevue’s Lillie French scored the first goal in overtime. With junior Sierra Anderson shutting down Roosevelt’s outside shooters and Bellevue’s team defense shutting down Roosevelt’s two-meter game, it appeared that the Wolverines would pull out the victory. But a defensive breakdown on Roosevelt’s final possession helped the Roughriders sneak one past Anderson and even the game, forcing a penalty shoot-out.

The penalty shoot-out began with goals from the first four shooters. Roosevelt’s third shooter was called for an illegal fake, and Bellevue’s third shooter converted to put the Wolverines up one. Both team’s fourth shooters converted. Roosevelt’s fifth shooter did as well, leaving Bellevue’s fifth and final shooter in a make-it-and-win situation. Unfortunately, the attempt sailed over the cage, as did Bellevue’s following shot, resulting in heart-breaking loss. Still, the Wolverines’ gritty performance showed everyone that the young squad is on the cusp of a major breakthrough.

Bellevue (4-12) returns to action Wednesday against Mercer Island.