Redhawks feel good this year

With prom just a few hours away, the weekend would no doubt be a memorable one for many Naperville Central students.

But for the members of the Redhawks water polo team, it became extra special after an impressive 8-5 victory over host Neuqua Valley in Saturday's sectional title game earned them a berth in next week's state tournament.

"Right now I feel most excited for our juniors and seniors because last year left a bad taste," said Naperville Central coach Jeff Plackett, whose team did not survive a tough sectional in 2007. "The prom's tonight and now they can take the sectional plaque with them as a centerpiece."

With sophomore goalie Sam Virella and the rest of the Redhawks defense at the top of its game, Naperville Central led 2-0 after one quarter and 3-0 at the half. Even as the Wildcats' attack got going in the second half, Neuqua (17-11-1) got no closer than to within 2 goals, which they managed when Jeanette Nolte closed the gap to 4-2 with 1:19 left to play in the third quarter.

"I'll take a defensive game," Plackett said. "And Sam Virella was standing on her head the entire game. This was the best I've seen her play. The girls played four good quarters of water polo."

Virella made 7 saves while blanking Neuqua in the first half before finishing the game with 15 stops.

"Last year it was terrifying against Neuqua (at sectionals)," she said. "It was the best feeling today when we put in our all in the last quarter."

After Nolte had made the game tight, Naperville Central all-time goal scorer Kara Wilson answered just seconds later to put her team on top 5-2 heading into the fourth quarter. Claire Fleming then scored on a penalty shot to make it 6-2 with 5:36 remaining, and the Redhawks (22-11) were on their way to a return to state for the third time in four years.

"I'm terrified," Virella said about looking ahead to state. "I just hope we can get as far as possible."

Jenn Rinehart and Kathleen Patterson each scored twice in the second half for the Wildcats, but it was not enough to overtake a solid effort by the Redhawks.

"We had opportunities and we took the shots but nothing went in," Neuqua coach Lenny DePasquale said. "Overall … if we just had another quarter to play. We were just starting to click. But Central's good. I told the girls they didn't really lose the game. Central just won the game."