Young Naperville Central gets win

The Naperville Central girls water polo team's 13-3 victory Friday over host Metea Valley on the first day of the Naperville Area Kick-off Tournament gave both teams an opportunity that might not come later in the season.

The two squads gave their rosters plenty of playing time. With teams playing four matches over two days, spreading out the playing time helps team stamina.

The quarters are reduced from seven minutes to six minutes for this tournament.

"We're young," Naperville Central coach Jeff Plackett said. "And we're trying to figure out who the first six are in the water. I like it when we can mix up lineups like that and put girls with people they haven't played with."

The Redhawks (2-1) jumped out to a 5-0 lead on two goals each from Kaela Codo and Emily Westlove and one from Emily Rodgers. Westlove and Rodgers led Naperville Central for the match with 4 goals each. Codo finished with 2.

Metea (0-2) got on the scoreboard with 21 seconds left in the opening quarter on a penalty throw by Leah Hummel. Naperville Central led 9-2 after two quarters and 11-3 after three. Hitting the net the rest of the game for the Redhawks were Caroline Aemmer, Alli Hansen and Jennifer Oliver.

Abbie Chamberlain scored once in the second quarter and once in the third for the Mustangs.

"We used this game as a real opportunity," said Metea coach Wyatt Jansen. "Over half of this team were just playing their second varsity game ever. As I said before the season, we lost experience but replaced it with athleticism. Once we pick up experience I think we can even be better than last year."

Winning goalie Faith Vandercar finished with 4 saves. Metea goalie Jocelyn Lent made 12 saves.

"Jocelyn did a great job of blocking the ball," Jansen said.

About an hour after Naperville Central's victory, the Redhawks were downed by Naperville North 10-4.

The Redhawks face Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley in tournament play Saturday. The Mustangs take on Neuqua, Waubonsie and Naperville North.