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Michigan's Leah Robertson Earns Second NCAA All-Tournament Nod; Makes History for Maize & Blue
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Long after the University of Michigan water polo had concluded its historic fifth-place run at the NCAA Championship and following the national championship had been awarded, one more milestone was set to be passed. For the second straight season, University of Michigan's Leah Robertson (Jr., Newport Beach, Calif./Newport Harbor) had her named called for the all-tournament team, only this time she was amongst the nation's top eight on the first team.
Up until the moment her name was announced at the Eppley Recreation Center Natatorium, no Wolverine had ever earned first team laurels. In fact, despite several of the programs best players -- including Betsey Armstrong and Sheetal Narsai -- having multiple NCAA appearances, no Michigan player had earned repeat selections to any NCAA all-tournament team. Even with this momentous honor bestowed upon her, Robertson was still focused on the team's top-five finish.
"It's exciting to receive such an honor, but it definitely wasn't the most exciting part of the weekend," Robertson said. "I feel like getting fifth and having everyone do really well for our last tournament with the seniors was what made the weekend so special.
"The fact that we set a high mark for the university is special and I am glad the seniors could be a part of that. No one can ever take that away -- we were the first team to do it," she continued.
Robertson, the program's career leader in steals with 299 thefts, tallied 41 goals and 72 points in her junior campaign. Her offensive numbers remained on par with her first two seasons even though she missed eight games due to injury this season, including five games in the midst of the 25-game winning streak that landed the Maize and Blue in the national tournament. She will be turned to as a leader next season at both ends of the pool and she hopes her strong finish will set the tone for next season.
"I was having a hard time with not being able to travel and not being able to play games during the middle of the season," Robertson said. "So it meant a lot that I was able to do well. I hope that I can stay at that level next year."
Michigan finished 35-9 and earned a No. 7 ranking in the final national poll. Robertson is one of four seniors that will be called upon to guide the 2010 Wolverines as they take aim at defending their Western Division and Eastern Championship titles and another NCAA Championship appearance.
Release courtesy Michigan Athletic Communications
