Girls water polo: St. Charles North, East expecting successful seasons

St. Charles North girls water polo coach Nick Engel is a firm believer in defense.

That defense-first philosophy paid dividends during the North Stars' season-opening 7-3 victory over Schaumburg on March 6 in St. Charles.

St. Charles North clung to a 1-0 halftime lead before breaking the game open with 6 second-half tallies.

"I thought we played pretty well in the first half, especially for our first game, but we just couldn't find the back of the net," said Engel. "That's why we focus so much on defense. You can't always count on the offense being there but you can always work hard on the defensive end."

After enjoying a 17-12-2 campaign last season, Engel came away pleased by his team's work habits during the offseason.

"The girls are looking good," said Engel. "They did a great job this winter getting ready for the season."

According to Engel, a strong defense requires communication along with technique.

"Good defense means helping each other," said the coach. "We want to force teams to make multiple passes. We usually play a modified zone depending on where the ball is."

The North Stars return several senior varsity veterans, including Beth Ann Ellingson (driver), Sarah Gibson (driver), Claire Rich (goalie), Katie Steele (driver) and Hannah Turner (set).

Gibson scored 4 goals and added 2 assists in the win over Schaumburg while Steele added a goal and 3 assists, and Rich recorded 10 saves.

"Having the experienced seniors back has been really nice for our consistency," said Engel. "They understand how we do things at the varsity level."

Senior Sydney Bodway, junior Hannah Springer, and sophomores Anna DeVries, Julianna Engesser and Olivia Traxler figure to provide added depth for the North Stars.

"They'll be asked to elevate their game this season at the varsity level," said Engel.

St. Charles North, which dropped a 10-8 decision to Lincoln-Way Central Thursday night, has won 35 of its 58 matches the past two seasons.

"We've been a top-25 team the last five or six years," said Engel. "Now we're looking for that year where you pop."

St. Charles East looks to continue its ascension this season under third-year coach Stephanie Ter Bush.

After finishing 8-15 in 2015, the Saints improved to the .500 mark at 14-14 in 2016.

"We're anticipating having a strong team this year," said Ter Bush.

The roster is headed by four senior returnees - Morgan Meador (driver), Sarah Sandecki (utility), Julia Saunders (driver) and Sienna Schulte (hole set).

The Saints also expect contributions from varsity newcomers juniors Alexia Scott, Braegan Taylor, Madison Weick, sophomores Alexandra DelBello, Brianna DiCicco, Grace Kos-Dondlinger, and freshman Ally Tarpey.

"We have a younger team than we have had the last few years but we are excited about the athletes we have this season," said Ter Bush.

"I have seen a huge improvement in my players and have watched them fall in love with the sport."

Ter Bush will get an idea of where the team stands before Spring Break as the Saints host Maine East on Monday, compete at the Jones-Payton Invite March 17-18, and visit St. Charles North on March 23.

"I am excited that the season is finally here," said Ter Bush. "It is a great team to be a part of."