Stevenson overpowers Mundelein

There hasn't been much for the Stevenson coaching staff to find fault with this girls water polo season.

One area that has been frustrating is that the girls have sometimes eased into matches instead of playing at a high level right away.

"We come out flat sometimes," said Patriots assistant coach Brian Woodward. "I told them that was not acceptable today."

Stevenson responded by making another statement in its 17-5 victory over Mundelein in an IHSA sectional final Saturday at Vernon Hills. The Patriots have won their last two matches by a combined score of 33-8.

The Patriots (27-6) scored three times in the opening 2:14 against Mundelein. After seven minutes, Stevenson was in control 5-1.

"That was the best first quarter we've played all year," Woodward said.

The Patriots' Rachel Cliburn and Amy Michelau each scored 6 goals.

"We knew we had to set the tone going into state," Cliburn said. "We're excited about the way we're playing."

Mundelein's Alice Denny tallied three times. Senior Kristen Aucutt scored the first 2 goals for the Mustangs (17-13) and played a strong all-around match.

"Kristen plays with as big a heart as anybody," said Mustangs coach Andrew Schneider.

Schneider was impressed with the way Stevenson rolled through the sectional.

"We knew it would be tough to upset Stevenson," he said. "They've had our number this season and it (continued) today."

Stevenson's Rebecca Shopiro and Karen Lowry each scored 2 goals, and Shopiro added a trio of assists.

The Patriots are the host school for the state tournament. They will play Friday in an IHSA state quarterfinal.

"It helps that it's at our school where we're much more comfortable," Michelau said.