Scouting DuPage County girls water polo
Top local teams: Naperville Central, Naperville North, Neuqua Valley, Waubonsie Valley, York.
Top games: Waubonsie Valley Quad, March 12-13; Naperville Central Tournament, March 20; Waubonsie Valley at Naperville Central, March 23; Neuqua Valley vs. Mother McAuley (at Brother Rice), March 23; Naperville North at Waubonsie Valley, March 25; Naperville Central at Naperville North, April 6; Neuqua Valley at Fenwick, April 6; York at Naperville Central, April 8; Fenwick Tournament, April 8-10; Neuqua Valley at Naperville North, April 13; Naperville Central at Neuqua Valley, April 15; York Invite, April 16-18; Naperville Central at Fenwick, April 20; Neuqua Valley at Lyons, April 22; Mother McAuley at Naperville Central, April 27; Lyons at Naperville North, April 27.
Top players: Tricia Bannister (Neuqua Valley, Jr.), Stephanie Ter Bush (York, Sr.), Audrey Chein (Naperville North, So.), Danielle Cirrintano (Neuqua Valley, Sr.), Tori Davis (Naperville Central, Sr.), Claire Fleming (Naperville Central, Sr.), Lexi Gross (Hinsdale Central, Sr.), Lindsay Jansen (Naperville North, Sr.), Abbey Kerth (Naperville Central, So.), Nikki Mandl (Waubonsie Valley, Sr.), Ember McCoy (Waubonsie Valley, Sr.), Chelsea Pesesky (Neuqua Valley, Sr.), Emily Sejna (Naperville Central, So.), Sara Shaner (Hinsdale Central, Sr,), Rachel Slama (York, Sr.), Amy Slana (Waubonsie Valley, Sr.), Devon Tamm (York, Sr.), Sam Virella (Naperville Central, Sr.), Hillary Vaselik (Hinsdale South, Sr.).
Outlook: Last year's runner-up Naperville Central returns most of its field players and its goalie and should once again contend for a state title. "We've talked about the word 'expectations,' and it seems to be the popular word," Redhawks coach Jeff Plackett said. "The 2009 team was the 2009 team and the 2010 team is just trying to be the best it can be. People see we have a wealth of talent back and while we do have good girls back, we've got to figure out a 10-goal difference on Fenwick or somebody else." Fenwick has won the IHSA championship in five of the past six years. A pair of all-state seniors in goalie Sam Virella and forward Claire Fleming will lead the Redhawks. Fellow senior Tori Davis is a three-year starter, who along with sophomores Abbey Kerth and Emily Sejna, as well as the up-and-coming Claire Wirtz, make the Redhawks one of the top teams in the state. "Claire seems to be locking down another starting position, but we're still trying to see who will get the seventh spot," Plackett said. "You look at the 11th girl on the bench and do not feel like there is a drop from No. 7 and No. 11 and that works in my favor."
It may take first-year coach Maryann Senesac some time to get acclimated to her team at Neuqua Valley, but with seven experienced seniors this year could be a special one for the Wildcats. "We have a very positive outlook and a lot of talent coming back," Senesac said. "I'm the third head coach in four years, so the girls have shown a great ability to be flexible. They've told me what they're good at and are pushing each other. By mid-April we'll start looking on the improvements that need to made over the season." Tricia Bannister, Chelsea Pesesky and goalie Danielle Cirrintano among others will all play valuable roles for the Wildcats.
Naperville North hopes to christen and adjust to a brand-new, all-deep pool this spring. "We have a good deal of speed on the team this year, and the girls are adjusting to running a fast transition offense," Huskies coach Andy McWhirter said. "Off-the-bench players will play a big role this year, especially during the fourth quarter." While McWhirter will count on all of his roster to contribute, sophomore Audrey Chein and seniors Lindsay Jansen, Katie Lechowicz and Katie O'Day will particularly need to have strong campaigns for the Huskies to achieve greater success.
Waubonsie Valley seniors Amy Slana, Ember McCoy and Nikki Mandl have a huge chore this season leading a young and undersized Warriors squad. "We lost a lot of girls to Metea Valley when it opened," Warriors coach Diana Mehl said. "I think our girls will try their hardest during every game. They have been practicing hard and they are willing to learn in order to be at their best. We will have a tough season, but our girls always have fun and enjoy the game." The Warriors should receive a boost from junior goalie EB Keeve, who was injured last year.
York lost a few starters but has four returning. The Dukes hope to be competitive, especially against tough conference foes Lyons Twp. and Oak Park, as well as Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South. "We want to be competitive in conference first and then take that next step," Dukes coach Dave Rafferty-Flatter said. "We lost some great leaders, but we've been able to fill those holes quickly. We're pretty deep with experienced girls, and the group of seniors has been playing varsity since they were sophomores."
Hinsdale Central will try to recover from the loss of most of its scoring. Look for Lexi Gross to rise to the occasion and lead the offense and Sara Shaner to guide the defense.
Hinsdale South looks to be much improved from last season's six-win team. Senior Hillary Vaselik, the team's MVP last season, leads the Hornets.