Scouting Fox Valley water polo
St. Charles North girls water polo coach Nick Engel has helped build a winning program the past few years.
Winners of 34 of 50 matches the past two seasons, the North Stars are ready to continue their progression in 2016.
"We are looking to take another step forward on both the offensive and defensive ends," said Engel. "My girls did a great job during the summer and winter offseason polo leagues to develop a new style of play because of the graduation loss of our sectional hole (Katie DiFiglio) last year."
The North Stars return several starters from last year's squad that finished 16-14-1, including Monica Guyett (driver/hole defense), Katie Steele (driver/hole defense), Sarah Gibson (driver/set), Brittany Veto (driver), and Claire Rich (goalie).
"Multiple girls have stepped up their game on the offensive end and I expect this to continue as the season progresses," said Engel.
Playing without Guyett (competing at swimming at nationals), the North Stars began their season with a 10-6 victory over Schaumburg Monday in St. Charles.
One of the varsity newcomers, senior Emily Feddor, enjoyed a superb debut with a 4-goal game for the North Stars.
Other first-year varsity players include Beth Ann Ellingson, Hannah Springer and Hannah Turner.
"I expect them to play great team defense and help facilitate our offense," said Engel.
"I have high expectations for the team this year. I'm excited to see our girls grow as the season progresses."
A year ago, the North Stars' season ended with a 6-5 sectional quarterfinal loss to Neuqua Valley.
"Our goal is to compete in the sectional final game and qualify for state," said Engel.
At St. Charles East, second-year coach Stephanie Ter Bush is hoping for continued improvement.
Last spring, the Saints climbed to the .500 mark at 12-12 - a 4-game upgrade from the previous season (8-15 in 2014).
"Last year, we made a huge improvement as a team and I believe this year will only get better," said Ter Bush.
Despite the graduation loss of goalie December Fagen and prolific goal scorer Alexandra Kos, the Saints return seniors Sofie Peltier (wing) and Haley Salveson (hole-set/hole defense) along with juniors Sarah Sandecki (driver/wing), Julia Saunders (wing), and Sienna Schulte (hole-set).
The supporting cast includes seniors Alyssa Evertsen, Mackenzie Kos, Erin Sastre, Brianna White, and juniors Emily Gregory, Morgan Meador and Emma Rooney.
"The players on this team are dedicated, supportive and are strong athletes," said Ter Bush, whose team begins play Saturday at the Conant tournament. "I am looking for better defense and shots coming from all around the pool."
St. Charles East also made a huge turnaround on the boys' side last season.
Led by leading scorer Andrew Roberge (56 goals), the Saints sported a 10-7 mark a year ago after finishing 5-14 in 2014.
"We plan on continuing that improvement," said coach Tim O'Grady, whose team returns 74 percent of its offensive production. "We have incredible leadership on the team this year. We have a lot more knowledge and our highest skill level yet."
Roberge (driver) is back for his senior season alongside classmates Jack Sweeney (driver/hole defense), Ethan Baraham (offensive/defensive hole), and junior Kyle Chapko. Sweeney and Baraham scored 26 and 25 goals, respectively, last season.
Juniors Max Retkowski (goalie), Tanner Schisler (driver) and Charlie Young (driver) head the list of newcomers.
The Saints began the season with a 15-4 victory over Rolling Meadows on Monday.
At St. Charles North, veteran coach Chris Cloy welcomes back a talented group headed by seniors Nathan Bawolek (utility), Garrett Allamian (goalie), John Quinn (attacker), and juniors Jack Williams (hole set) and Sam Lilly (hole set).
"We have a solid core of returning players that have been doing a great job working with our newer guys to start the season," said Cloy.
Sophomore Kieran Murphy (utility) joins the varsity after a successful first season on the JV level in 2015.
Bawolek is a 4-year varsity performer.
"Nathan is our most experienced player and one that has a passion for playing water polo," said Cloy. "He's a high-energy player and great role model for our younger athletes."
The North Stars begin play Saturday at the Conant tournament.
"Our goal is to come together as a team and be playing our best water polo during the sectional tournament," said Cloy.