Mundelein pours it on

Fans of the Mundelein boys water polo team travel as well as any in the area.

And they had plenty of chances Thursday to shout and clap their signature chant, "Mustang Polo, Mustang Polo."

When Mundelein and Stevenson get together, it is usually a closely-contested contest. This time, it was all Mundelein. The visiting Mustangs scored the first 11 goals of the match on their way to a 14-2 victory.

"They were the same way last year and they kept it going," senior Mike Begrowicz said about the Mustangs' fans. "When you're tired in the third and fourth quarter, they always pump you up."

Although it was only the second game of the season for both teams, Mundelein had a lot to be pumped about. The Mustangs defeated Glenbrook North 20-7 in their season opener.

"We didn't expect (that margin of victory) so now we're expecting to do well every game," junior Pat Falconer said.

Falconer led the way against Stevenson with 4 goals, while Begrowicz and sophomore Will Davidson added 3 goals apiece. Begrowicz also contributed 4 assists, 5 steals and he drew 2 kickouts.

"I liked our balance; we're a better team when we have more guys score," said Mustangs coach Rahul Sethna said. "We want to play where everyone is a threat."

Junior goalkeeper David Dickinson made several nice saves to thwart Stevenson's attack.

"They have some great shooters, and he was in the right position," Sethna said. "He had a real good game."

Stevenson (0-2) played at less than full strength for the second consecutive game. The Patriots hope to have their full roster available when they return to action Tuesday.

"We weren't executing," said Patriots coach Sean Wimer. "We went 0-for-11 in 6-on-5s and that will kill you every time. Mundelein ran a really nice press. We made some bad passes and they were able to counter off that."

Alex Rembialkowski and Ali Khan were Stevenson's lone goal scorers.

Wimer, though, is not discouraged.

"I told the (team) to keep their heads up," he said. "We'll be there in the end."

Both teams are still getting used to the 30-second shot clock. Last year, teams had 35 seconds to shoot.

"It speeds the game up," Sethna said. "You have to more aware; you can't hesitate.