Grimes shines as VH nets another victory

The Vernon Hills girls water polo team already had put together an impressive first half in its 10-2 victory Wednesday against visiting Palatine.

Maddie Kleinhample's goal just before the halftime buzzer sounded was just the topper.

Kleinhample took a long pass from goalkeeper Colleen Grimes and found the net with less than one full second to spare. Her goal increased the Cougars' advantage to 7-2.

"It was like Christmas or something," was how Grimes described the unexpected goal.

The Cougars improved to 3-1 under first-year coach Shona Moeller. Palatine dropped to 0-3.

"We've always tied or lost to Palatine so this shows things are changing," senior Kendel Duffy said. "We're working more as a team. In my four years at Vernon Hills, we've never had (the potential) for a season like this."

Kelly Steininger, Melanie Lecaroz and Kleinhample all scored 3 goals for the Cougars. Lecaroz and Kleinhample contributed 3 assists.

"Melanie really pushed the tempo in the beginning and created a tempo where we could really succeed," Moeller said.

Grimes, who benefited from several shots hitting the post, turned in another strong performance in goal. She finished with 13 blocks.

"She's acutely aware of where the ball is and where she needs to be," Moeller said. "All aspects of (her game) are coming together."

Added Duffy: "She was blocking like crazy. Anything they got off she was there to cover."

Grimes is demonstrating good patience before deciding where to distribute the ball.

"I'm really trying to (wait) and see who can get open," she said.

Duffy (7 steals) had a great defensive game for the Cougars.

"Her play right in front of the goal was key," Moeller said.

After the game, both teams said the level of play was extremely physical. The Pirates raised their level of play in the second half when Courtney Bartz and Elizabeth Duvall each tallied.

Palatine coach Jonathan Kosovski liked the way Katie Brown competed.

"She's a heads-up (player)," he said. "She's always fighting to keep the ball in front of her."

Moeller is pleasantly surprised with how early in the season the Vernon Hills girls are playing at high level.

"The way they work as a team is phenomenal," she said. "Their cohesiveness has been a blessing."