Ohio Squirrels Water Polo Club

Ohio Squirrels Water Polo Club traveled to Knoxville, TN for the University of Tennessee Hillbilly Classic. This is the 18th year running of this tournament. This is an outdoor tournament with 14 teams from all over the Midwest and Southeast. One of the most popular tournaments in the Midwest.

Squirrels had a tough schedule with Notre Dame first. Powered by defense and anticipation, the Squirrels jumped out in front and kept a large lead to take the victory 12-4.

Game 2 was against some of the players' rivals, Michigan Wolverines. With some of the Squirrels as former Ohio State Buckeyes, this was a game they had to win. Squirrels trailing 5-1 (and thinking they were down and out) got motivated on 2 quick goals at the end of the third quarter. Closing the gap quickly, the Squirrels used their depth to come back and tie 6-6 at the end of regulation. Overtime consisted of 1x3:00 quarter of sudden victory. Wolverines won the swim off and immediately gained a man-up opportunity. Quick pass, but not quick enough, resulted in a block by Andy Stiebler and a long anticpated counter attack goal by Allan Edwards (Tampa) to win the game.

Game 3 was against a familiar windy city team, Team Chicago. Again, using depth the Squirrels were able to continue to push the ball up the field and remove Team Chicago's counter attack from the game. Well earned victory of 12-8.

Final game (and in the championship game) against top seeded Michigan State. Knowing they had a tremendous counter attack and an advantage of speed, the Squirrels removed the speed factor by only sending 3 player up to play offense. This spread the pool out very well and made it difficult for the spartans to steal the ball. Unable to shut down the Spartans and running out of steam, Michigan State took a handle of the game and won 6-2.

Squirrels took #2 overall and the runner-up trophy at this 14 team tournament.

MVP - Andy Stiebler/Nick Popa
Defensive Player - Steve Malewicz
Best Looking - Matt Kittle

Thank you Vols!!!