The #10 Irish Water Polo Team will be hosting the CWPA National Championship Tournament this weekend at Rolf's Aquatic Center. The Irish are set to play the Wolverines of Michigan in the first round on Friday, November 19 at 9am. The Irish have played the Wolverines (#3) once this season, falling 11-9, but hope to shutdown the powerful Michigan counterattack in first round action.

The Irish team is led by a solid starting seven, led by senior captains Mike Grow and Jack Spittler. Grow has been a leading outside scorer all season, while Spittler's agility on defense will be needed to shut down the Wolverine offense. Junior captain Greg Szewczyk will be counted on to help shut down the Wolverine counterattack with speed from end to end. Dominant hole man Matt McNicholas will look to set the offensive pace of the game for the Irish, while utility player Jay Nunez will have an obvious impact on the game at both ends of the tank. Sophomore sharpshooter Steve Shepard will also influence the game with his shots from the perimeter. Additional help will come from the bench from sophomore Jon Kelly and freshmen Khaw Zhenkwei and Colin Dunn. The Irish defense will count on junior goalie Scott Tagwerker as well, depending on his continued dominance between the posts.

The Irish are hoping that any alumni and current students who can fit it into their schedules to come out and support the team. Against a strong Michigan team, the Irish need the help of home fans to win and continue their hunt for the national title. More info can be found at http://www.nd.edu/~wpolo , and the schedule for the rest of the weekend can be found at http://www.collegiatewaterpolo.org/html/schdnccc04m.htm . Hope to see you at the games.

2004 Captains,
Mike Grow, Jack Spittler, and Greg Szewczyk