Stevenson staying defensive
The Stevenson girls water polo team already has proven that it will be awfully hard to score against.
If the offense can make steady progress, this could be a memorable season for the Patriots - one where they earn another trip to the state tournament.
The Patriots' defense was on display early in the season opener against Fenwick, the No. 1-ranked team and the defending state champion. Although Stevenson ended up losing 12-4, the game was tied 3-3 at halftime.
"The reason we were in the game was our defense," coach Jeff Wimer said. "Fenwick did not expect that tough a game right from the start."
Senior Janelle Bartman is one of the best goalkeepers in the area. She turned back 16 shots against Fenwick.
"She knows it's up to her to take charge," Wimer said. "She tells the girls where to be defensively and she directs our team offensively. Her maturity and leadership have come a long way."
Although the Patriots lost the majority of their starting lineup to graduation, seniors Katie Moy, Melanie Sulkin and Mary Novokhovsky are back and primed for big years. Cheyenne Montijo is a promising sophomore.
"From a coaching perspective, I like our balance offensively," Wimer said. "Any of our girls can score."
Mundelein: Mundelein opened its season with a solid performance in a 12-4 victory over Glenbrook North.
Alice Denny led the way with 4 goals and 2 assists. Denny, one of the area's best players, had 7 goals last year to lead Mundelein past Libertyville in the sectional quarterfinals.
Against Glenbrook North, Evelyn Kurzac (3) and Alexis Jones (2) also had multiple goals.
The Mustangs fell to 1-1 with a 12-10 loss to Oak Park. Kurzac recorded a team-high 4 goals.
Libertyville: First-year coach Chris Crawford is enamored with the Wildcats' work ethic and potential.
"The girls are dedicated and want to improve the program," he said. "They're willing to go the extra mile in conditioning and training. The goal for this season is to emphasize and develop the basic skills and also introduce a new offensive and defensive system."
The Wildcats have good team speed and a deep bench. Look for Katie Ahlgrim to really assert herself in her junior season.
"She has very good game awareness and is a well-rounded player," Crawford said.
Vernon Hills: The Cougars welcome 13 new players into the program.
"We have a lot of raw talent," coach Shona Moeller said. "I think we'll be a team that grows throughout the season, which is really exciting."
Senior Kelly Steininger has a chance to put a dent in several individual school records.
"She's having a fantastic year already," Moeller said.
Girls water polo players to watch
Katie Ahlgrim, jr., Libertyville; Janelle Bartman, sr., Stevenson; Danielle Caldwell, jr., Mundelein; Alice Denny, sr., Mundelein; Kristen Fletcher, sr., Vernon Hills; Alexis Jones, soph., Mundelein; Evelyn Kurzac, jr., Mundelein; Gena Lopez, soph., Vernon Hills; Cheyenne Montijo, soph., Stevenson; Katie Moy, sr., Stevenson; Annie Mroz, jr., Libertyville; Tracy Nigro, sr., Libertyville; Mary Novokhovsky, sr., Stevenson; Blanca Parra, sr., Libertyville; Kristen Schrems, fr., Vernon Hills; Kelly Steininger, sr., Vernon Hills; Melanie Sulkin, sr., Stevenson.