Scouting Lake County girls water polo
Girls water polo season preview
Players to watch
Katie Ahlgrim, sr., Libertyville; Dana Andrea, Vernon Hills; Danielle Caldwell, sr., Mundelein; Alexis Jones, jr., Mundelein; Kristen King, sr., Libertyville; Laura Goodell, jr., Stevenson; Evelyn Kurzac, sr., Mundelein; Anna Lebiedzinski, Vernon Hills; Karen Lowry, jr., Stevenson; Stefanie Lyjak, sr., Libertyville; Alex Mantzoros, sr., Stevenson; Cheyenne Montijo, jr., Stevenson; Claire Moschovas, soph., Stevenson; Annie Mroz, sr., Libertyville; Kim Nolte, sr., Stevenson; Sam Petti, jr., Stevenson; Melanie Rowland, Vernon Hills; Jessica Rozemberg, jr., Stevenson; Ellie Silver, Vernon Hills; Emily Tylka, jr., Mundelein.
Scouting report
Libertyville coach Chris Crawford raves about his team's determination. "Our greatest strength would have to be our work ethic," he said. "The girls are very determined to gain notoriety throughout the state and are willing to take on anything that is thrown at them." Seniors Annie Mroz and Katie Ahglrim will lead the Wildcats' attack. "Annie brings a lot of strength and toughness to the 2-meter position," Crawford said. "Katie is extremely versatile and able to make plays. Their leadership is very much felt by the rest of the team." Crawford said Katherine Clow, Rosie O'Connor, Sam Voelker and Lauren Rivelli have made substantial progress since last season. - Mundelein returns more than half its starting lineup and plenty of key reserves. The Mustangs are a defense-oriented team that is usually tough to score on. Junior Emily Tylka is one of the area's better goalies. When the Mustangs have the ball, Alexis Jones is a top offensive threat. Last season, Mundelein placed second in the league and at the sectional. - There is a lot for Stevenson to be excited about. The majority of the Patriots' top players are juniors and sophomores. "It's exciting," coach Jeff Wimer said. "This group is fun to coach." Stevenson is a favorite yet again to win the conference and the sectional. "We have an aggressive group of girls who want to prove themselves," Wimer said. The key for the Patriots will be improving their overall defense. Sophomore Claire Moschovas has been impressive in goal in the early going. - Vernon Hills lost its first game of the season, but the Cougars are not discouraged. Anna Lebiedzinski has been a force on offense. Dana Andrea, Ellie Silver and Melanie Rowland also have played well.